Tsang gets glowing report from Beijing
Premier Wen praises strong HK governance
Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was given a glowing report card by Wen Jiabao yesterday as the premier formally appointed him to serve as chief executive from July 1.
Mr Wen signed the State Council order for the appointment at a cabinet meeting in Beijing. Mr Tsang will fly to the capital on Sunday to receive the instrument of appointment.
He is expected to meet President Hu Jintao and Mr Wen on Monday.
The premier said Mr Tsang's victory had met the expectations of the Hong Kong people and reflected their trust in him.
Mr Tsang defeated Alan Leong Kah-kit by 649 votes to 123 in the Election Committee poll on March 25 - the first contested chief executive election since the handover.
Mr Wen praised Mr Tsang for his strong governance since taking over in June 2005.
'Mr Tsang has led the local government in enhancing its governance capability, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood,' he said.
The chief executive also had handled various issues of public concern and enhanced social harmony, the premier said.
'His administration performance has been widely applauded by local people from all walks of life.'
The open praise for Mr Tsang contrasted sharply with Mr Wen's guarded words two years ago.
The state leader said then that the expectations of the people and the country were more important than congratulations, and sought to impress on Mr Tsang the daunting task he faced, citing a Chinese saying that 'the task ahead is arduous and the road ahead is long'.
During yesterday's meeting, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Liao Hui , gave a report on the chief executive election, which Mr Wen described as fair and open.
The central government hoped Mr Tsang would make greater contributions to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, the premier said.
Mr Tsang, who is on leave, issued a statement expressing gratitude for Beijing's support.
'I have a huge mission,' he said. 'I shall not fail the trust the central government and the people of Hong Kong have placed in me.'
He said he would strive to lead the government in a pragmatic manner and to bring the city to new heights.
Mr Tsang reiterated that his exchanges with the people and with members of the Election Committee during his two-month campaign for re-election would help policymaking in his second term.
In Beijing, Chen Zuoer , deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said detailed arrangements of the itinerary for Mr Tsang's three-day visit were still being finalised.
A government source said Mr Tsang might take the opportunity to visit some Olympics Games facilities during his stay.
He also is expected to outline the broad direction of an imminent shake-up to the portfolios of policy bureaus as well as the candidates for ministerial posts.
