Key political figures in the city, including Chief Executive (CE)Leung Chun-ying, have welcomed Tuesday's appointment of Zhang Xiaoming to the top position at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR.

Members of the city's elites spoke highly of Zhang's credentials for the top job. He has served the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council since 1986.

National People's Congress (NPC) deputy Maria Tam Wai-chu underlined Zhang's experience in Hong Kong affairs. "He had engaged in (the drafting of) the Basic Law, the Preliminary Working Committee to the Preparatory Committee. I believe he can pick up his duty fast and easily," said Tam.

Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, a member of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said not only is Zhang familiar with Hong Kong affairs, but he also is an amiable person willing to listen to others during dialogues.

"It is not an easy duty to head the Liaison Office, (because) the responsibility is big and the range of work is extensive. But I have high hopes in Zhang's assumption of the post," said Fan.

Another newly-elected NPC deputy and non-official member of the Executive Council, Cheng Yiu-tong, also expressed confidence in Zhang's competence. "He took part in the drafting of the Basic Law and was a deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Office. He learned well from dealing with major events in Hong Kong," Cheng said.

NPC deputy and legislator Michael Tien Puk-sun described Zhang, who is a graduate in criminal law, as a "scholarly person" who looks at matters prudently from different perspectives.

CE Leung Chun-ying issued a statement on Wednesday morning extending a warm welcome to the new Liaison Office chief.

"Mr Zhang has been engaged in Hong Kong and Macao affairs for a long time and is very familiar with the situation in Hong Kong. I believe that under the leadership of Mr Zhang, the Liaison Office can further promote exchanges and communication between the mainland and Hong Kong," said the CE.

Leung also expressed thanks to former chief Peng Qinghua, who was credited for his active cooperation with the city's government and significant contribution to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

"I wish Mr Peng every success in his new post," said Leung, who believes the Liaison Office will continue to support the city's government in accordance with the Basic Law and the "One Country, Two Systems" principle to help contribute to the city's prosperity and stability.

As announced by the State Council on Wednesday, Peng will assume his new post as party secretary of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after leaving the Hong Kong office.

Former deputy director of the Liaison Office Li Gang, on the other hand, will take up the post of deputy director of the Liaison Office in Macao SAR.

kahon@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 12/20/2012 page1)