Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks made by the Chief Executive (Elect), Mr Donald Tsang, upon his re-election at the 2007 Chief Executive Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at a media session today (March 25):  

Chief Executive (Elect): My fellow citizens. I am honoured to stand before you today as the re-elected Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This is a solemn moment for me, to extend to all of you my deep gratitude for the trust and faith you have given me. The last two months on the campaign trail have been the most rewarding chapter of my 40-year career in public service.

I met with all sorts of people, from the richest to the poorest in our society, listening to their stories and sharing their aspirations for a better future. I have debated with Mr Alan Leong, putting our different manifestos to the people of Hong Kong. We stimulated public discussion of Hong Kong’s priorities for the next five years. But most important of all, the community has treated the process seriously. The public has been thoroughly engaged throughout. All the important issues have been laid out for public discussion, properly scrutinised and debated. The repeated polling exercises by reputable academic bodies have shown a high level of understanding of what has been discussed. Simplistic slogans have not replaced careful deliberation. The maturity of Hong Kong people has been demonstrated throughout the electoral process. This has made this election very special and has laid out a solid foundation for moving toward universal suffrage.

In a modest way, we have made history. I would like to thank the people of Hong Kong for entrusting me with the task of leading them for the next five years. I would also like to thank the members of the Election Committee. They have fulfilled their duty under the Basic Law on behalf of the people of Hong Kong, exercised their judgement. Last, but not least, I would like to thank Mr Alan Leong for his participation in the election. We may not see eye to eye on every subject but we share the goal of creating a better life for the people of Hong Kong. As we close this chapter on the election, let us resolve to put aside our differences and work together for our tomorrow. Fellow citizens, Hong Kong returned to the motherland 10 years ago. We have accomplished much since then which will show to the world that five years from now, Hong Kong will have grown from strength to strength, confident in our own future and of our guiding philosophy of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and Hong Kong people running Hong Kong.

In the next five years I will strive to turn my election pledges into reality. I cannot undertake this mission alone. This is a partnership, a partnership project I have with the people of Hong Kong to shape our future and create a quality life for all. United we can get the job done.

Thank you very much.

Reporter: Congratulations. I was wondering, if you are able to realise all that you would like to realise, how would the election look like five years from now?

Chief Executive (Elect): I believe we would be a more confident community. Greater harmony in the community between the rich and the poor sector. And most of all, we shall be indisputably the premier international financial centre in Asia. Remain as a world city with a strong international connection where everyone of all races, all ethnic groups, all nationalities can live and settle here in peace living together.

Reporter: Can I just rephrase the question my colleague asked but in a more pointed way. Will the next Chief Executive be elected by the people?

Chief Executive (Elect): They will certainly be elected by the people of Hong Kong.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Sunday, March 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:53

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