Chief executive candidate John Tsang Chun-wah said on Wednesday that he would “seriously consider” inviting people from different sides of the political spectrum onto his governing and policy-making team if elected.
Responding to an online commenter’s question about his possible governing team and the Executive Council, the former financial secretary said in a Q&A video that he would consider anyone, as long as they have the ability to contribute to the city.
“[A government] that does not have the trust of the people would find it very difficult to govern,” he added.
Sports ground plan
In the video clip, Tsang also urged caution over incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s controversial proposal to redevelop the Wan Chai Sports Ground into an extension of the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“I know many alumni from La Salle College take the time to watch inter-school sporting events [at the sports ground],” said Tsang. “Everyone is excited, shouting until they lose their voices… so I understand how you feel towards the grounds.”
Tsang attended the prestigious boys’ school La Salle in his early teens, before completing his education in the United States.
Wednesday’s video was the second episode of a Q&A series that Tsang posted on Facebook beginning last Friday. Of the four chief executive candidates, only Carrie Lam – former chief secretary for administration – does not have an official page on the platform.
In his first video, Tsang urged Hongkongers not to emigrate from the city with an aim of trying to escape from its political troubles, but instead, to make an effort to improve Hong Kong.
Pro-Beijing heavyweights
On Wednesday morning, however, Tsang was criticised by Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the largest pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong, on Commercial Radio. Lee alluded to his “inaccurate fiscal predictions” for the city over the past years as financial secretary.
Lee said that there are probably more “fans” of rival chief executive contender Lam in her party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.
The party engaged in meetings with all four of the candidates beginning last Saturday.
