Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has said he hopes all members of the government will concentrate on their current work for the sake of society.
He was asked on Thursday about his views on the announcement from retired judge Woo Kwok-hing that he intends to run for the top job in Hong Kong.
Leung did not directly respond to the news, but said it is currently the time of the year when the government is busy preparing its policy address and the annual budget.
“I hope all members of my government team will be duty-bound and concentrate on one thing only – working for society from within the government,” he said.
On Wednesday, news site HK01 cited a “credible source” as saying that Financial Secretary John Tsang wrote to the central government stating that he will soon resign and run for Chief Executive. Tsang’s office said it will not comment on the speculations.
Asked about Tsang potentially resigning before the annual budget is drafted, Leung said it was a matter of responsibility.
Will new CE bring improvement?
Leung said the government will enter a new term on July 1 next year no matter if there is a new Chief Executive or not. He questioned whether a change in government will solve the current problems in Hong Kong.
“Will the people advocating Hong Kong independence stop? Will the people who insult our country stop because of a change in government or personnel? Will it be easier to solve the long-standing land problems because of a change in government or personnel?” Leung said. “Will the new government stand up to difficulties, be courageous and be determined to touch the vested interests in the property market to solve the housing issue?”
He also said that reform of the medical council was halted by the filibuster of one lawmaker in the last Legislative Council term, and questioned whether the situation will improve because of a change in government or personnel.
“In the next few months, people should think about these issues,” he said.
Leung has yet to publicly state his intention to run for a second term.
