Lu Ping backs Tung for second term

Former Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Lu Ping, who tangled with ex-governor Chris Patten over increased democracy for Hong Kong, gave his backing for Tung Chee-hwa to seek another term as Chief Executive.

Mr Lu said Mr Tung was fully committed to Hong Kong. 'Although he is not perfect, he is a dedicated man and his integrity is unquestionable,' he said.

Mr Lu's backing for Mr Tung followed the support given by President Jiang Zemin and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen last month.

Mr Lu, who won a battle with stomach cancer, said he was in good health. Now retired, he lives in Zhuhai in the winter because Beijing is too cold, playing golf in the morning and surfing the Internet in the afternoon.