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Quality counts

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In a frank admission, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has admitted he has failed to make the grade in two of the three major tasks of a true leader, dubbed the three 'Ps'. He conceded that he had done a poor job in public relations and politics, but insisted he had produced sound policies.

At a series of meetings with government-friendly figures, pro-democracy legislators and journalists last week, Mr Tung sought to impress on them that he was fully aware of his shortcomings and the need to change. He has pledged to be more humble, listen more and talk less. Superficially, there has arguably been a degree of change in the format, approach and atmosphere of his meetings with community groups.

Television footage filmed by staff at the Information Services Department shows a smiling Mr Tung going to shake hands with pro-democracy lawmakers at the beginning of the sessions.

Confronted with tough questions from democrats and journalists, Mr Tung chose not to defend himself or fight back immediately - as he has done in previous sessions. At the meeting with senior journalists, Mr Tung said he and his teammates would step up contact with the public and media. He lamented the fact that 'good' policies and measures such as an improvement in air quality have not been 'positively' conveyed to the community.

'We have always asked ourselves this question: how can the media help us in disseminating these positive messages?' he said.

Since heading the special administrative region, Mr Tung has been persistently troubled by what is generally perceived as his failure to deal with the press and political opponents. One oft-cited criticism is his alleged bias against the pro-democracy camp in his appointment of members to sit on the boards of statutory bodies and advisory committees.

Meanwhile, Mr Tung has often appeared ill at ease in his encounters with the media. Many will recall television footage of him merely repeating greetings of 'good morning' to a battalion of press corps at the Central Government Offices, refusing to answer any questions following the July 1 protest march.

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