No plans to replace CY Leung, says top Beijing official
Wang Guangya tells Hong Kong delegation that the central government hopes the city will unite in its support for the chief executive
The mainland official responsible for Hong Kong affairs yesterday dismissed speculation that the central government was seeking to oust Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.
Wang Guangya, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, insisted that Beijing still backed Leung, following speculation in sections of the Hong Kong media that a successor was under consideration.
The central government has noted that [Leung's administration] has not had a smooth start but they hope all sectors in Hong Kong can stay united and focus on improving the economy and people's livelihood
Instead, Wang expressed his support for Leung to a delegation representing Hong Kong's farming sector, who met him behind closed doors in Beijing.
It is the first time Beijing has expressed support for Leung since his top ally, former executive councillor Barry Cheung Chun-yuen, became embroiled in a police investigation into the failed Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange (HKMEx), which Cheung founded. On Friday he resigned from all his public posts, including membership of Exco.
"Director Wang reiterated that the central government has no Plan B," said Chan Yung, who is also a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, referring to suggestions that Beijing was considering a replacement for Leung.
"The central government has noted that [Leung's administration] has not had a smooth start but they hope all sectors in Hong Kong can stay united and focus on improving the economy and people's livelihood," Chan said.
"[They hope people will] support the government and Leung Chun-ying - yes, his name was mentioned - to implement policies in accordance with the law."