Chief secretary gambles on career
The bet that Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan will still be in office after July 1 may still be on. The No 2 man in Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's administration has already filled his diary with activities that may be more enjoyable than raw politics.
Political Animal understands that Mr and Mrs Hui have booked tickets for the first flight out of Hong Kong after attending the inauguration of the second Tsang administration on July 1, heading for opera performances in Japan. Opera trips to Japan have also been scheduled for autumn, although music may not be the only motivation, as Mr Hui is known as a big fan of Japanese food.
What is really intriguing, however, is that Mr Hui has offered to pay for an all-inclusive opera trip to Japan for anyone who bets that he will last out the next term if he returns to Lower Albert Road in July. As friends who join the game do not have to bet anything, the amount that he will have to pay if he loses this wager is said to have hit HK$1 million.
Tsang finds a moment of peace
In Beijing, Mr Tsang began his big day with a moment of reflection in church before a series of meetings with state leaders. Accompanied by his wife, Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei, he was mobbed by journalists when they arrived for mass at the South Cathedral before 6.30am.
'I go to church every day,' said Mr Tsang, who would not say whether he felt nervous ahead of the meetings. The priest celebrating the Mass was apparently aware of their presence and offered blessings and peace, which Mr Tsang doubtless found a comfort.
