It was like the changing of the guard as Hong Kong's present and probable future leaders gathered to celebrate National Day yesterday.
With both the men in the running to succeed him looking on, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen pledged to use his final policy address to tackle what he said were the city's most pressing problems.
'There are various hurdles and conflicts during different stages of social development. What residents are concerned about is housing, the wealth gap and the ageing population ... I will seize the chance in the next policy address and propose pragmatic and practical solutions,' Tsang said in his speech at a National Day reception at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
Chief executive hopefuls Leung Chun-ying and Henry Tang Ying-yen struck contrasting tones in their race for the top job. Leung, the outgoing convenor of the Executive Council, joined Tsang on stage for the traditional toast, along with Tang's replacement as chief secretary, Stephen Lam Sui-lung.
Leung, who announced his Exco resignation on September 20 to prepare for the race, said he would step down tomorrow. His campaign plans were going 'smoothly' and he would announce his cabinet preferences soon. 'I will unveil my cabinet after confirming all the names ... progress has been smooth' Leung said. 'I will leave Exco on Monday.'
But likely rival Tang remained coy about his plans, despite resigning last week. 'I am still considering [the bid] and hope to listen to more views. I have yet to reach the stage of forming a cabinet,' said Tang, who attended the reception as a guest. Asked to evaluate his chances of beating Leung in the small-circle election, Tang said the public could judge him by his achievements.
