'Let's not argue if I am an accomplished political leader or not. I am now a public servant.'
This was the latest verdict from Donald Tsang Yam-kuen yesterday on his ever-changing identity - in the past few weeks he has variously characterised himself as a lowly pharmaceutical salesman and the son of an ordinary family.
Mr Tsang stirred disputes, particularly when he stated 'politician' as his profession on his chief executive nomination form. But six days on, he was telling a different story. 'At that time, I only had two choices. One is politician. The other one is unemployed. Anyway, upon today's appointment, I am now a public servant,' he said.
Wearing a pink bow tie, as he did on the day he became acting chief executive in mid-March, Mr Tsang compared Hong Kong to a dragon, a symbol closely associated with the city's spirit and his 38 years of public service.
'I remember the time I organised the dragon boat festival when I was the district officer at Sha Tin. The turning point in my life [to run for chief executive] this year also coincided with the ... festival. As this dragon boat of Hong Kong strives to move upstream ... I feel grateful to be one of the rowers on board,' he said, presumably banishing images of sinking dragon boats during last weekend's international event in Victoria Harbour.
Mr Tsang also showered the public with praise.
