More ministers and prominent figures throw weight behind lead contender in chief executive race
Former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang has for the first time publicly backed Donald Tsang Yam-kuen as the best man to lead Hong Kong.
Describing him as 'very capable and enthusiastic', Mrs Chan - still touted by many as a potential future contender for the top job - said the new chief executive should be accountable to Hong Kong and uphold the city's freedoms.
Mr Tsang succeeded Mrs Chan as the head of the 180,000-strong civil service in 2001.
'Mr Tsang is very capable and enthusiastic,' Mrs Chan said. 'He is accountable to Hong Kong. He has extensive administrative experience and is familiar with the operations of the government.
'I hope the next chief executive will be able to reflect Hong Kong people's wishes and be the spokesperson for Hong Kong when communicating with Beijing.'
Mrs Chan said the public was looking for a righteous leader who would uphold Hong Kong's rule of law and freedoms, as well as implement the principle of 'one country, two systems'. She said she was enjoying retirement and had no plan to join the race.