Carrie Lam is tight-tipped about whether she would be prepared to accept an appointment with the next government. She has hinted more than once, however, that she intends to retire from the government at the end of the current term in July 2012. On the other hand, there are suggestions that Lam would be willing to remain if Leung Chun-ying becomes the new Chief Executive.

Lam said recently she would like to visit the city's revitalized historical buildings as a civilian. She also pledged to press law enforcement against illegal structures in village houses during her term. The framing of her comments has prompted those in the government's inner circle and lawmakers to speculate that she intends to leave office.

Lam, asked directly about her future at the conclusion of the interview, answered: "Of course I will not answer the question." Asked if she and Leung share the same ideas and are in good terms, she responded: "I am on good terms with many people. I am on good terms with you too."

Lam has the highest popularity rating among principal officials, according to University of Hong Kong's poll. Her December rating was 62 percent, and she was the only official whose rating has not dropped versus November.

(HK Edition 12/23/2011 page4)