HKSAR chief executive says not to seek re-election
Mainland respects Leung’s decision: spokesperson
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Leung Chun-ying announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election in 2017 due to family reasons.
Addressing the media, Leung said that he must take care of his family in the future, and prevent them from facing unbearable pressures resulting from electioneering. Leung said he will focus on his work as the chief executive in the coming six months, including delivering his last policy address in January 2017.
A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said in a Friday statement that the Chinese mainland respects the decision.
“We express our deep regret that Leung has decided to not pursue another term due to family reasons, and we respect his decision,” the spokesperson said in the statement released on the office’s website.
The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong also said that it fully understands and respects Leung’s decision.
The office said in a statement that Leung has firmly implemented the “one country, two systems” policy and the Basic Law, leading the SAR government in solving Hong Kong’s long-term problems with courage.
The liaison office highly appreciated Leung’s performance in dealing with cracking down on “Hong Kong independence,” Hong Kong’s institutional reforms, the illegal “Occupy Central” movement and other serious political and judicial issues.
Leung has shown his courage in taking responsibility and resolutely safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security, the authority of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s social stability and also Hong Kong people’s well-being, the statement said.
Leung was elected Hong Kong’s chief executive in March 2012 and took office on July 1 the same year.