WANTED: MAYOR FOR autonomous city state. Must be politically experienced, non-Cantonese (mandatory), trusted by high-ups in Beijing, respected by world leaders, willing to undertake reform measures and able to cheer people up when required. Apply to election committee.
What a pity that we held our latest 'election' for chief executive six months too early. If only we had waited a little longer we could have made our pitch to the best man for the job without even having to post this notice.
Who could possibly be a better fit than Zhu Rongji as he retires from the premiership in Beijing? It might have taken some blandishments to attract him but it would hardly be a step down. He has already made that step down himself. We could certainly count on him to heed the patriotic appeal and the opportunity to crown his career with such a job. Please, sir, we need you.
Mr Zhu was, of course, properly reserved in his answer when asked on Tuesday for advice on how to run Hong Kong. He said he had limited knowledge about Hong Kong and it was up to Tung Chee-hwa and the SAR administration, who were familiar with Hong Kong's situation, to do their jobs well.
How kind of you, sir, to assume that Mr Tung is familiar with Hong Kong's situation. Many others of us here are not quite so certain.
You may wish to note, however, that familiarity with Hong Kong is not a requirement anyway.
Almost all the British governors who preceded Mr Tung got the job because it was Buggins's turn at the Foreign Office and I do not recall that any of them as much as paid a visit before arriving in their official capacity. It never did us any harm.