Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung says he has ‘no information’ about Financial Secretary John Tsang’s resignation
The chief executive also told reporters ahead of the Exco meeting that he would ‘report to state leaders truthfully’ about matters in the city
Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying says he has no idea when Beijing will approve the resignation of Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, whose decision to contest the chief executive election is now up in the air.
Leung stressed he sent Tsang’s notice to the central government as soon as he received it, addressing speculation the process was being slowed down deliberately.
Still, the chief executive, who is not seeking a second term, hinted of the heavier burden his government was saddled with as a consequence of Tsang’s departure as he revealed how he toiled “until 3am in the morning” over the weekend to prepare the annual policy address he will deliver next month.
The city’s No 2 official, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, has also hinted at a bid to succeed Leung.
Tsang tendered his resignation nine days ago, but there has been no word from Beijing. Speaking before the Executive Council meeting yesterday, Leung had “no information to offer” on why Beijing was taking its time to approve the resignation.
Asked if he had submitted the notice, and if Lam’s possible resignation would further hamstring his administration, Leung said: “We have reported Tsang’s resignation to the central government and asked it to handle the issue immediately after we received it.