Tsang's pick shunned so he'll ask Hui to stay
Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has indicated his wish to have Rafael Hui Si-yan stay on as chief secretary for two years beyond June 2007, after the chief executive's first choice for the job got a lukewarm response in Beijing, sources close to Mr Tsang and the central government say.
Mr Tsang had gone for Mr Hui because he was certain to be acceptable to Beijing, said a source close to the chief executive.
The chief executive had originally suggested John Tsang Chun-wah, director of the Chief Executive's Office and a former career civil servant, for the top position.
'Rafael [Hui] was not picked by Donald [Tsang] to be the chief secretary. He was the central government's candidate all along,' said a source close to Beijing.
Mr Hui, 58, has repeatedly said he would not serve beyond June 2007. But this source said Beijing wanted Mr Hui to change his mind so as to avoid the big changes a new chief secretary might bring about.
Earlier, a source close to Mr Hui said he would definitely not serve another five-year term once his two years helping Mr Tsang sort out sticky policy matters are finished.
Speculation about jockeying for the posts of chief secretary and financial secretary and the 11 other ministerial posts is intensifying, but Mr Tsang and his aides are reluctant to admit they are making any preparations for a post-July 2007 government for fear they will overshadow the chief executive election.
Several sources said the chief executive had favoured John Tsang for Mr Hui's job but that his background was an obstacle to his elevation. The 55-year-old was private secretary to last governor Lord Patten between 1995 and 1997.
Mr Hui is said to favour Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen for the job because of his good connections with the community, the business sector and the mainland.
A third possible contender is Secretary for Education and Manpower Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, 60.
Allen Lee Peng-fei, a former executive councillor and a local deputy to the National People's Congress, said the central government's word was vital.
'I was asked by more than one mainland official about who is capable ... For the chief secretary job, the names John Tsang and Arthur Li have been floated. For financial secretary, Norman Chan Tak-lam is on the list,' Mr Lee said. Mr Chan resigned as deputy chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May last year.
He headed Mr Tsang's election campaign, and later joined Standard Chartered as its Asia vice-chairman. Mr Chan enjoys good relations with both the chief executive and Mr Hui.
The Chief Executive's Office could not be reached for comment late last night.
