Hong Kong business leaders hold out hope for change after Leung Chun-ying declines second tilt at top job
Some business people are not so optimistic, arguing that whoever is chief executive will come under fire
Henry Cheng Kar-shun, chairman of New World Development and the only supporter of Leung among the city’s top-tier billionaires during the last election, said he felt sorry about Leung’s decision not to run, as he felt he was a suitable candidate, RTHK reported.
But Cheng also admitted the city was afflicted by disharmony in both politics and economics, making it difficult for the government to govern, and he hoped the next chief executive would help to resolve Hong Kong’s problems . “I hope to have a harmonious society,” he said.
Wharf chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching said the new chief executive would still have to face persistent division. He also told Cable TV that Leung had been selfless in working for Hong Kong and was an admirable man.
Shih Wing-ching, chairman of property agency Centaline, said divisions may break out again even with a change of leader.
“There are people who oppose the leader who is working on behalf of Beijing. Once the next leader assumes office, there are people who will always find reasons to oppose,” Shih said.
“If the leader is someone who is on relatively good terms with the opposition like [former Legco president] Tsang Yok-sing or [Financial Secretary] John Tsang Chun-wah, there may be a honeymoon period, but the chief executive is appointed by Beijing, he needs to listen to Beijing’s instructions. Then he will be criticised.”
On Leung’s flagship housing policy, Shih conceded that the supply of land in the private sector had almost doubled .
“But Leung knew that his cooling measures of imposing heavy stamp duties would not work in lowering prices, but he still persisted, “ Shih said. “He failed to help people he intended to help, but deprived property owners the opportunity to benefit from global quantitative easing.”
But Baniel Cheung Tin-sau, principal strategist with Integral Consulting Asia, said the fact that Leung would not seek re-election signalled a change. “There is a new opportunity for Hong Kong. Optimists will think it will create a better environment for business.”
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying it respected the chief executive’s decision not to seek re-election. It said Leung had worked very hard to serve Hong Kong and the chamber appreciated his passion and efforts.
The chamber added it was premature to comment on potential candidates until all interested people had declared their candidacies.
The American Chamber of Commerce said it would not comment on political matters.
The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce did not respond to Post requests for comment.
