John Tsang Chun-wah has thanked the Hong Kong people and the Central government for supporting him during his term as Secretary of Finance, but he stopped short of announcing his bid to become Hong Kong’s next Chief Executive.
“As I have said before, whether I would run or not run is a serious and solemn matter. I shall think through this in the coming days and make an announcement once ready,” he said.
“I hope you will understand that I cannot say anymore than what I have said so far given my current position as financial secretary.”
Tsang said he had handed in his resignation to Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and would begin taking leave tomorrow.
“It was my enormous honour and privilege to serve this community of ours and the people of Hong Kong, and to contribute to the long-term development of our home as well as our nation.”
His statement came a day after Sunday’s Chief Executive Committee elections. The Chief Executive election will take place on March 26. The only other candidate who has declared their candidacy thus far is retired judge Woo Kwok-hing. Lawmaker Regina Ip is expected to launch her bid for the city’s top job this Thursday.
