Against the feel-good mood created by the leadership change, the decision to seek an interpretation of the Basic Law's provisions on the next chief executive's term looks unlikely to stir much controversy, amid widespread indifference about the debate.
Predictably, the government's request to the national legislature to rule on the row has drawn heavy flak from pro-democracy legislators. Lawyers have condemned the decision as a shameless act that undermines the rule of law.
For most citizens, however, the much-publicised decision will be greeted with more mixed feelings.
An opinion poll conducted by the Ming Pao newspaper this week found most people support an interpretation by the National People's Congress Standing Committee.
The finding was conveniently picked up by acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen to help justify the decision - in contrast to the government's dismissive attitude towards poll findings in support of the early introduction of universal suffrage.
After seven years and eight months under the leadership of Tung Chee-hwa, the people of Hong Kong are hopeful of better days ahead after his departure. The winds of change have been manifested in the marked improvement of public confidence in the overall performance of the government and principal officials, as shown by opinion polls.
