The race to be Hong Kong's next chief executive is intensifying. Besides the two top candidates, Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen and Executive Council convener Leung Chun-ying, there is former Legislative Council president Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, whose popularity is sliding. And, now, we have lawmaker and head of the New People's Party, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.
Ip, who is a former secretary for security, unofficially declared her candidacy this week by comparing her qualifications and suitability as chief executive with the other three. In an interview with a local TV station, she said the three did not possess all the qualifications prescribed by the director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Wang Guangya . According to Wang, the next chief executive must be someone who loves China and Hong Kong, is 'administratively capable' and enjoys popular support.
Ip said she wouldn't mind 'sacrificing herself' because she loves Hong Kong and wants to contribute.
Putting aside her political intentions, Ip was actually spot on with her comments about the other three. Fan might have had high approval ratings, but she lacks governance experience; Tang has been in the government for some time, but has made no major contribution and, finally, Leung, who has been working hard to raise his popularity, also has little administrative experience.
As I've said before, Fan has never been serious about running for the top job. Besides, the best she can do is to serve as a lever to pull Leung back, giving Tang a slight advantage.
Ip was right to say that Leung has political exposure only because of his role as convener of Exco. A common saying sums it up: 'Don't listen to what a politician says, but observe what he does.' Leung has made no contribution, so how can he convince the people that he is the best candidate?