Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said Tuesday that the resignation of Finance Secretary John Tsang would greatly affect the work of the government, as the Leung administration is preparing its final policy address and budget.
Asked if he supports Tsang’s decision to step down and run for Hong Kong’s top job, Leung said: “The next two months are the busiest time of the year for the government. While the draft of the policy address is ready, the preparation for the budget has just started.”
“So let’s not even talk about the possibility of losing two top officials [Tsang and Chief Secretary Carrie Lam] – the finance secretary’s departure will have a significant impact on the work of the government.”
Tsang announced on Monday that he had handed in his resignation to Leung and would begin taking leave Tuesday pending Beijing’s approval of his departure. Lam said last Saturday that she may consider joining the race in light of Leung’s unanticipated announcement last week that he is not seeking re-election.
Leung dismissed the long-standing rumour that he has been at odds with the finance secretary owing to their different approaches towards governance.
“If we really didn’t get along, Tsang wouldn’t have stayed in the government for the last four years,” he said.
Leung also denied that the policy address would focus only on short-term solutions.
The policy address and budget are scheduled to be announced next January and February respectively. The chief executive election takes place next March 26.
Editor’s note: Digital media outlets such as Hong Kong Free Press are currently barred from attending government press conferences.
