Academic calls for second-in-command with political skills
An influential mainland academic has suggested Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa delegate some of his duties, particularly political affairs and the tough job of dealing with different political camps, to a deputy to make up for his lack of political skills.
Shi Yinhong, a professor at the school of international studies at People's University in Beijing, told the South China Morning Post that his proposal might be one of the options being considered by the central government to improve Mr Tung's governance.
The professor also called on democrats in Hong Kong to adopt a more rational approach and be ready to make compromises.
In a commentary published in the pro-Beijing Ta Kung Pao newspaper on Tuesday, Professor Shi said someone who enjoyed a good reputation and possessed outstanding political skills should serve as deputy to Mr Tung to make up for the chief executive's shortcomings.
The professor, who is a mainland expert on international relations, said the central government might be aware of the chief executive's inadequacies in responding to the crisis triggered by the July 1 protest march against the controversial national security laws.
'Mr Tung lacks political skills and has been poor in handling crises,'' he said.