Still too early to talk about popularity of potential Hong Kong chief executives, CY Leung says
He came in last in a University of Hong Kong survey covering five people tipped for the top job in 2017; Financial Secretary John Tsang ranked first
Speaking to the press ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, the chief executive also noted that the poll did not include any candidates from the pan-democratic camp.
The survey in question was conducted by the University of Hong Kong’s Public Opinions Programme on behalf of Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao, which showed Leung placing last in terms of popularity ratings among five highly tipped candidates.
Only 18 per cent of 1,014 people polled supported Leung, while 62 per cent disapproved of him being re-elected.
Close to 60 per cent approved of him becoming the next chief executive with only around 15 per cent opposing.
“No one has indicated they want to run in the 2017 chief executive election yet,” Leung said. He added: “The five potential candidates in the survey haven’t publicly announced any of their principles of governing Hong Kong or their policies.
“Surveys that are conducted after we know who is running, along with their principles, policies and manifesto, would be a better point of reference.”
Ahead of the first meeting of the new Legco term on Wednesday, the chief executive said he highly values the relationship the executive branch has with the legislature.
Following the incident, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was quoted by the media saying that “officials [in China] have requested to take [Wong] back. It’s Chinese officials’ business.”
Despite the remarks, Leung maintained the Chinese government was not involved.