The decision to rethink the West Kowloon cultural project and dump the giant glass canopy was made to answer public concerns, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said yesterday.
'I think the most important thing was to respect the views of the public, and chief secretary [Rafael] Hui [Si-yan] has achieved that in his decision,' Mr Tsang said.
'The Hong Kong people's wish is to see the West Kowloon project completed and we have not abandoned this goal. The important thing is for us to find the best way - a way that the Hong Kong people can collectively support - to proceed with this major project.'
But these comments contrasted with Mr Tsang's previous statements, in which he said the canopy was an integral part of the project.
In his policy address last October he also said he hoped the project would proceed as soon as possible.
Speaking after the awards ceremony for the eighth annual Top 10 News Events of Government Policy yesterday, Mr Tsang also said his administration continued to enjoy the support of the Hong Kong public and the central government.
