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Murray MacLehose is not an appropriate role model for whoever next leads Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Finding it difficult to get excited about Hong Kong’s chief executive candidates

I am afraid that if I was asked which of the chief executive candidates I think will deliver if they become our next leader, I would have to answer none of them.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has shown that she has been isolated from the public in the “bubble” of the government headquarters for too long.

She does not even appear to know how to “use an Octopus card or enter the MTR, or where to buy toilet paper” (“After gaffes, Carrie Lam admits she can be ‘clumsy’ but claims others call her ‘smart at work’ ”, January 29). Also, I do not think she really understands the grievances of the public.

Her diligence and often hardline stand may help her get her work done, but she lacks public support. I am concerned that she will sometimes act as she did over the Palace Museum while she was still chief secretary.

John Tsang Chun-wah seems to be an amiable character and, no doubt, his vision for Hong Kong sounds enticing, but a lot of it is vague. It is still not clear if he will make good use of the government’s massive reserves. I was not impressed by his track record as a very low-key financial secretary.

It has been known for some time that Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee coveted the top job, but I fear that like Hillary Clinton, she has too much political baggage to enjoy widespread public support.

She has shown a lot of political courage and has political clout, but she will remain unpopular.

Retired judge Woo Kwok-hing appears willing to back issues that may be deemed by some to be politically incorrect, but he has far too little political experience.

In his column, Richard Harris said the chief executive hopefuls could learn from the legacy of a former governor of Hong Kong (“Hong Kong needs another Sir Murray MacLehose”, February 2). However, it might be difficult to use him as a role model.

Hong Kong has changed from what it was under British rule and needs a different kind of leader.

We will need a captain who is given the authority to steer the ship and to have the courage, when necessary, to change direction. It may be we are asking too much of the next chief executive, but I hope not.

Toby Yeung, Sha Tin

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Finding it difficult to get excited about chief executive candidates
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