Tien encouraged Tung to run for Chief Executive

Professor Tien said he had encouraged Tung Chee-hwa to run for Chief Executive.

He said he had lobbied Mr Tung during a visit to the University of Berkeley in 1996.

'I had a small part in persuading him to undertake this job. Now in return, he played a very big part in persuading me to chair this commission,' the professor said.

He said they were old friends, as were their fathers.

Mr Tung outlined his vision during a meeting with Professor Tien before attending the commission meeting yesterday.

'Having Tung Chee-hwa as the Chief Executive today is an important factor in Hong Kong's success tomorrow,' the professor said.