Li Ka-shing 'must steer clear of entering politics', says close friend
Businesswoman and close friend of Asia's richest man says he is too open-minded
A prominent businesswoman and close friend of Li Ka-shing, Solina Chau Hoi-shuen, has made rare comments about Hong Kong politics - as well as Asia's richest man, who she believes is too open-minded to ever enter politics.
Chau, director of the Li Ka Shing Foundation - Li's philanthropic vehicle - also criticised as "tedious" the current political disputes dominating the news.
On a political role for the tycoon, she said: "Mr Li has often said he might try to enter politics to make a greater contribution if he had a choice. But he is an unusual person. He must not enter politics. He is too open-minded. He never cares about criticism against him.
"He is not like a politician. Many politicians are single-minded."
At one point, Chau dropped a hint that she might run for the post of chief executive, although her remarks were quickly dismissed as "a joke".
The rare comments were made by Chau to accompanying reporters during a six-day trip to Israel. She was leading a delegation of 100 Hong Kong students and teachers on visits to technology firms in Tel Aviv.
The businesswoman echoed Li's hope that lawmakers would pass the electoral reform package, which she believed would create a platform to overcome political disputes.