Yeung Kam-ming, 53, is glad the election for the next chief executive can proceed on July 10 now that the NPC Standing Committee has made is ruling. ; From Shamshuipo to Quarry Bay ; Fare: $160
I think the situation called for the National People's Congress Standing Committee to clarify the Basic Law on whether the next chief should serve out the remaining two years [of Tung Chee-hwa's term].
The standing committee does have the power, as specified by the Basic Law, to resolve matters that are related to the appointment of the chief executive.
Because Hong Kong already enjoys democracy, some people have taken advantage of this to argue about anything for the sake of arguing, such as about full direct elections for the Legislative Council and the future chief executive. I don't see the point of this. The recent row might endanger the timely election of our new leader.
To me, whether the next chief serves out the remainder of Tung Chee-hwa's term or starts another five-year term does not matter. It is just a difference of legal opinion between some lawyers in Hong Kong and the NPC Standing Committee.
I think it is not a bad idea to give whoever is elected a two-year term to try him out first before having him re-elected for a full term in 2007.
The new leader should be given time to demonstrate his performance. I think the citizens of Hong Kong will be happy to continue to have him as the chief executive if he has not performed any worse than his predecessor.