************************************************************
The Chief Executive-elect, Mr C Y Leung, began his first day of work today (March 26) with a series of courtesy calls.
At the invitation of the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, Mr Leung met Mr Tsang at the Chief Executive's Office in the morning to discuss transition arrangements with the incumbent Government. He thanked Mr Tsang for his contribution to Hong Kong in the past few years and commended the civil service for organising a successful and smooth election for the fourth-term Chief Executive. Mr Leung asked Mr Tsang to pass on his heartfelt gratitude to civil service colleagues.
The meeting was followed by a courtesy call on the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Peng Qinghua. In addition to discussing arrangements on his appointment, Mr Leung proposed to the Central People's Government through the Liaison Office ways for Hong Kong to capitalise on the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the National 12th Five-Year Plan, and the package of measures announced by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang, during his visit to Hong Kong last August to support the city's social and economic development.
In the afternoon, Mr Leung called on the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, and the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li.
Mr Leung emphasised that the Judiciary and the legislature are the major components of the political structure of Hong Kong and are instrumental to the city.
"I attach grave importance to the relationship between the Administration and the legislature, as well as the functions and role of the lawmaking body. I hope that the Government and I will be able to work closely with the legislature and its members," Mr Leung said.
Stressing that judicial independence and the rule of law are the cornerstones of Hong Kong's success, Mr Leung assured the Chief Justice that he would spare no effort to safeguard them.
Ends/Monday, March 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:55
NNNN
