Henry Tang announces his resignation at the old government headquarters in Central on Wednesday. Edmond Tang / China Daily

Announcement sets up possible two-way race for SAR's top job

Henry Tang resigned the post of chief secretary for administration on Wednesday, setting the stage for a two-horse race to succeed Donald Tsang as the SAR's Chief Executive (CE) next year.

Tang immediately proceeded on leave, to give himself time to think about a run for the CE's job.

Executive Council convener Leung Chun-ying earlier stepped down from his post and declared his intention to run.

Sources close to Tang's camp said the timing of his resignation was planned. While on leave, Tang will meet with a wide spectrum of Hong Kong people and take in their views. He does not however intend to make any formal announcement of his candidacy until the Election Committee is formed on Dec 11.

Tang emailed civil service organizations on Wednesday morning, to advise them of his resignation.

The news was leaked and had already hit the electronic media, before he announced he would make a statement at lunch time.

Tang told reporters that he tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive in the morning.

He said he has been encouraged by many friends and other people to run for the CE's post.

"I know deep in my heart that this would be a great challenge for me. I need time and space to seriously think about this suggestion," he said.

"I need to consider how to respond to the wishes and aspirations of our people, and how to improve our livelihood and ensure that all sectors, particularly the underprivileged, will be able to truly share the fruits of economic success."

Civil Service organizations expressed their hope to foster a close partnership with the next SAR leader.

So Ping-chi, chairman of the Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association, said it is good that the CE election will be a contested race. To remain neutral, civil service groups will not back any candidate, but will invite the contenders to introduce their policy platforms and visions.

Lee Kwai-yin, vice-president of the Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants Association, said it is important for the new CE to turn to the civil service with grand visions, form a partnership with civil servants and boost staff morale.

Lee said government experience is not an absolute necessity.

She said her group will also invite candidates to unveil their policy platforms and visions at campaign forums.

The other contender, Leung Chun-ying, welcomed participation by Tang in the race.

Leung called on interested persons to explore and discuss in great depth visions of governance and ways to solve the deep-rooted problems in Hong Kong.

Tang's supporters were buoyed by his announcement.

Rita Fan, a standing committee member of the National People's Congress, praised his political ethics, noting that Tang did not exploit his official position to announce his election campaign.

Given that Tang is what she called an acceptable person, she said she will keep her promise and support him once he announces his intention after the central government accepts his resignation.

Chan Wing-kee, a standing committee member of the national committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said Tang can still respond to questions and announce policy platforms in his capacity as a private citizen.

Liberal Party Honorable Chairman James Tien said since Tang no longer needs to defend government polices, his announcement that he is stepping down will help him salvage his popularity and gain better support.

However, Ivan Choy, senior lecturer of Chinese University's government and public administration department, said it will be challenging for Tang to overtake Leung's popularity rate because he commenced his campaign fairly late.

Shortly after Tang's resignation, CE Donald Tsang announced Secretary for Education Michael Suen as Tang's temporary replacement, pending acceptance of his resignation and appointment of a new chief secretary by the central government.

joseph@chinadailyhk.com

China Daily

(HK Edition 09/29/2011 page1)