CPPCC spokesman spells out ideal qualities of CE
Hong Kong can select a new leader who loves both the country and the special administrative region, is trusted by the central government, capable of governing the city, and enjoys public support, spokesman for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Wang Guoqing said.
Wang on Thursday also expressed his confidence in Hong Kong’s upcoming Chief Executive election. He made these comments at the first press conference of the Fifth Session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The CPPCC spokesman said he hoped the election would proceed smoothly in accordance with law.
Wang advised all sectors of Hong Kong to set aside their differences and find common ground to resolve disputes and avoid conflicts. They should also work together to open a new chapter in the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”.
He said the central government will unswervingly uphold the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
Wang’s remarks came about three weeks away from the election of Hong Kong’s new leader on March 26 by a 1,194strong Election Committee (EC). Three candidates had their nominations validated on Wednesday.
Among them, former chief secretary for administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor gained 580 nominations from almost half of the EC members.
At a closed-door meeting with representatives from AllChina Women’s Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association on Thursday, Lam promised to increase the number of female principal officials and bureau heads in the government. She said she would also set up a Children’s Commission to better protect children and improve the role of women.
As the only female candidate, Lam said she would work to safeguard children’s inter- ests and promote family values if elected CE.
Connie Wong Wai-Ching, the association’s vice-president, told reporters after the meeting that representatives “felt excited” about Lam’s vision as a female leader and her pledges.
She noted that Lam was the only female principal official in the current-term government before resigning from the chief secretary post to join the CE race. Wong, who is also a CPPCC member, added that she would be “more than happy” to see a female CE.
The federation also invited another CE candidate, John Tsang Chun-wah, to share his election platform at a separate session. Retired judge Woo Kwok-hing, who is also in the race, did not attend the meeting, citing a tight schedule.
Maria Tam Wai-chu, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress who is now in Beijing for the two sessions, said Lam was the ideal person to be the city’s next leader.
Tam said she believed Lam is the best candidate because of her past achievements, personal abilities and understanding of the city’s various sectors.
She could also handle relationships between the legislative and administrative branches of the SAR government as well as between the central government and the city, Tam commented.