SIR Ti Liang Yang said yesterday he wanted Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang to stay on in the post if he became chief executive.
And said he thought he had a better than even chance of winning.
Sir Ti Liang, speaking on his return from holiday in Britain, said Mrs Chan would greatly support him in running the Government and her presence was important to maintaining stability.
'If I am the chief executive, Mrs Chan staying on would give me a big hand. It would be a great honour too,' he said.
People did not want to see major changes after the handover, Sir Ti Liang said.
Maintaining the stability of the Government and keeping senior and junior civil servants in their posts was crucial to confidence.
But he said it was not appropriate for him to ask Mrs Chan now to stay on.