Opening shots fired as battle for Hong Kong’s top job finally gets under way
Retired judge throws hat in ring and blasts incumbent leader Leung Chun-ying, former security minister Regina Ip confirms interest in the post, and strategy of Financial Secretary John Tsang is revealed
Hong Kong charged into election mode on Thursday as retired judge Woo Kwok-hing’s declaration he was gunning for the chief executive post prompted other potential contenders to fire their own opening shots, with incumbent Leung Chun-ying unleashing the strongest salvoes.
For the first time, executive and legislative councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee confirmed speculation she was “interested” in running for Hong Kong’s top job, while a Liberal Party veteran disclosed details of Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah’s strategy to gain votes.
Watch: Retired judge throws hat in the ring for Hong Kong’s Chief Executive election
Tsang’s office did not comment on reports claiming he wrote to Beijing last week of his intention to step down for the race.
Responding with a thinly-veiled attack, Leung urged his Exco cabinet members to stay “focused and dedicated” on the current administration’s work, which included preparing for his policy address and the budget next year.
“This is the government’s job, as well as my expectation for all my colleagues in the administration,” he said.
Alluding to what he saw as his track record, Leung also asked whether thorny issues like housing and calls for Hong Kong independence could be better handled by a new chief executive.
“Will the land and housing problems that have accumulated in Hong Kong become easier to solve under a new leader...?