Press Release

 

 

Transcript of Chief Executive's media session

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The following is the opening remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on the appointment of Chief Secretary for Administration and Financial Secretary at the media session today (February 15):

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to announce today that the Central People's Government has accepted my nomination and approved the appointment of Mr Donald Tsang as Chief Secretary for Administration and Mr Antony Leung as Financial Secretary.

Mr Donald Tsang's distinguished career as a Hong Kong civil servant spans over more than three decades. He has served Hong Kong with distinction, commitment and dedication in many different capacities. Since the Handover, in his capacity as Financial Secretary, he has led his team of colleagues to overcome the Asian financial crisis. Today's recovery of the Hong Kong economy owes much to the determination and wisdom which Donald and his team have displayed over that critical period.

I am absolutely confident that Donald will bring with him the same commitment, professionalism and leadership in fulfilling the role of Chief Secretary. I am delighted to have Donald as Chief Secretary to help me lead the team of principal officials in realising our vision.

Likewise, I am delighted to have Antony to serve as Financial Secretary at the critical moment when Hong Kong is facing the twin challenges of globalisation and developing the new economy. We have to prepare for the next paradigm shift to take full advantage of China's imminent accession to WTO.

Antony will bring with him to the financial portfolio the wealth of experience which he has acquired in international banking over a quarter of a century. In the increasingly fast moving world of financial markets, Internet stock trading and e-commerce, Antony's professionalism and expertise will be a pillar of strength in the SAR Administration. Antony's experience in masterminding our education reforms and his service as a Member of the Executive Council provide him with an excellent foundation to serve as a senior member of the Government.

Donald and Antony, I am delighted to have you fill the two most senior positions in the SAR Government. I know that the team of principal officials warmly welcome your appointments. I am sure that both of you will serve Hong Kong with your utmost dedication.

Reporter: Why was it necessary for you to go to the private sector to fill the post of the FS? And secondly, why did you appoint Mr Tsang, even though up to a few days ago he said that, or expressed preference, to remain in his job as the Financial Secretary?

Mr Tung: Well, it's not very fair, you asked two questions, but I will answer them too. I think I will repeat what I said earlier on, in English, actually, to your first question. The civil service structure has its very good points, its strengths, and one of them is its 'through-the-system' - we have seen the rise of Anson Chan to become an excellent Chief Secretary - and the system can also come up with someone like Donald Tsang to take over. But on the other hand, the system is also flexible enough to welcome someone from the outside, like Antony Leung, and that is a strength of the system. And all I do, is try to pick the best person for the job and this is what I have done.

Insofar as your second question is concerned, Donald is a person of great humbleness and he has said to me that: Look, if you have other better person I would be very happy to stay on as the Financial Secretary. And I understand his feelings, and he is really a very nice and humble person, but I was glad that I invited him to come on board as Chief Secretary and he accepted my invitation.

Reporter: Mrs Chan complained of outsiders provoking disputes between you and her. How are you going to stop that happening with Mr Tsang?

Mr Tung: As I said that the other day, answering to this particular question, there maybe people trying but it wouldn't work. It didn't work with her, it wouldn't work with my colleagues on the left and on the right, because we will work very closely.

Transcript of Chief Executive's media session (Chinese part)

Thursday, February 15, 2001

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