Donald Tsang Yam-kuen yesterday said he would resign if asked to do anything contrary to his beliefs and against the rule of law.
The Financial Secretary, who takes over as Chief Secretary for Administration from Anson Chan Fang On-sang next week, also said he would handle Falun Gong according to the law.
On Wednesday, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa made his strongest attack yet on the sect, accusing members of attempting to undermine relations between Hong Kong and Beijing by planning a demonstration when President Jiang Zemin visits the SAR next month.
He accused members of trying to disrupt the Fortune Global Forum, which will be attended by senior mainland officials and heads of multinationals.
In a radio interview with RTHK, Mr Tsang said he would offer dissenting advice to Mr Tung but final decisions rested with the Chief Executive.
'There is no absolute black and white,' he said. 'I may not be absolutely right and the boss may not be absolutely wrong. Once a decision is made, we will follow it. But if it is contrary to my beliefs and the rule of law, the choice is easy. It is definitely resignation.'