To the surprise of many in Hong Kong, Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday weighed into the controversies surrounding the conduct of Hong Kong's top officials during a meeting with chief executive-designate Leung Chun-ying. The state leader spoke plainly of his expectations of Leung. First, he stressed the need for him to consolidate support from different sectors. Second, he reminded Leung that it was important for politicians to stay away from corruption.
The reference to a 'clean' government is highly illuminating in the wake of the current situation here. In the past, the issue of corruption was rarely on the agenda when state leaders met visiting Hong Kong officials. This is because the city, in particular the administration, enjoys the reputation of being largely clean and corruption-free. Regrettably, public confidence in officials' integrity was deeply shaken after the city was hit by high profile scandals, one after another. Outgoing Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption for having allegedly accepted advantages from the city's tycoons in connection with his holiday and retirement plans. Meanwhile, former chief secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan has been arrested by the graft-busters along with two property tycoons, with the full details yet to be revealed. Separately, a government investigation into the illegally built basement in a house owned by the wife of former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen is still ongoing.
Wen's reminder for Leung is unmistakably referring to the series of scandals that call into question the integrity of those in power. There are reasons to believe that Beijing is highly concerned with the incidents and hopes law enforcement agencies will investigate and bring whoever is found to have breached the law to justice. The remarks show Leung must rebuild confidence in a clean government.
Yesterday's appointment is more than just a symbolic affair. It signifies that Beijing has formally entrusted Leung with the authority to administer Hong Kong for the next five years starting on July 1. It is now incumbent upon him to prove that he is a capable leader. To do so, he needs to demonstrate the ability to unite different factions in society and command their support.
But the road to reconciliation will not be smooth. Whether Leung can rise to the challenge is clearly a matter of concern to Beijing, too. The latest survey found those who disapproved of him as the city's next leader outnumbered those in support by 51 to 38 per cent. Leung has to double his efforts in consolidating support from different sectors. These include bridging the divide in the pro-establishment camp, reaching out to the business sector as well as to the pan-democratic camp. Their support is essential to effective governance.
