Vice-Premier Qian Qichen had been wrong to express support for Tung Chee-hwa seeking another term as Chief Executive, academics said yesterday.
Professor Lau Siu-kai, associate director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at Chinese University, said Mr Qian should not have made the remarks because it might put the SAR's autonomy in question. 'People may ask if Beijing has already secretly appointed Mr Tung for another term; whether other candidates will anger Beijing if they go ahead with their bids; whether the chief executive's election will be fair and open; or whether Hong Kong people running Hong Kong still works,' he said.
Mr Qian made the comments as he met Mr Tung in Beijing at the start of the Chief Executive's annual visit yesterday.
Professor Lau said he thought Mr Qian wanted to show stepped-up support for Mr Tung amid falling popularity, rather than groom him for a second term.
'Although Beijing really wants Mr Tung to seek another term, it does not mean they will unconditionally support him at this stage because there are still many variables. Beijing leaders would be very stupid if they made a final decision so early,' he said.
According to the Basic Law, the next chief executive will be chosen by an 800-member Election Committee and appointed by Beijing.
The SAR Government has yet to say whether the same Election Committee which elected six legislators in September will also choose the chief executive.