BEIJING is understood to have an unofficial shortlist of five people for the position of chief executive of Hong Kong's first post-handover government.
Although a 400-member Selection Committee will ultimately decide on the person for the job later this year, an informed source said Beijing had decided on the best candidates.
They are Preparatory Committee vice-chairman Tung Chee-hwa, 58, and his fellow members Lo Tak-shing, 61, Sir Sze-yuen Chung, 78, and Peter Woo Kwong-ching, 49, and Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang, 56.
Mr Tung, chairman of Orient Overseas Container Lines, is also an Executive Councillor, while Mr Lo and Sir S. Y. are former members.
The so-called shortlist has become clearer of late, according to the source, with the declaration by another Preparatory Committee vice-chairman, businessman Leung Chun-ying, that he doesn't want to be considered for the post.
However, it still remains unclear whether Mr Tung will allow his name to go forward for the job, despite being regarded as the front-runner.
A source close to his family said they were unhappy about his taking on such a demanding position, while Mr Tung was concerned that rules on conflicting interests might force him to step down from his shipping business.
