Tung Chee-hwa's swift reply took the political commentator by surprise. Would the Chief Executive find it difficult to write about political development in the SAR in his second policy address on Wednesday, he asked, expecting it to be a question that required some thought.
'No. It's not difficult at all,' Mr Tung responded quickly.
Recalling that conversation, one guest said: 'Why easy? I think it is simply because there is nothing substantial to be said on political issues.' In sharp contrast to that exchange, Mr Tung was in a more serious mood at the end of another informal chat on the policy address last month.
After rounding up the discussion, he said, 'It's really very difficult to write,' referring to the whole blueprint. 'Yet, it's clear the economy is the major concern of everyone.' That was also the case last year, but now there is a world of differences over the problems ahead.
In his 'Building Hong Kong for a New Era' address of 12 months ago, the former shipping magnate was speaking with no doubt in his mind that Hong Kong people 'will be able to create an even better future for our city'.
'My confidence is based on Hong Kong's abundant human resources, our strong financial position, the unique opportunity before us, and the strong support of our country,' he concluded.
Now, except for the repeated commitment from Beijing leaders of their strong backing whenever it is called for, there are deep doubts over the long-term viability of the Special Administrative Region.
