Tsang officially sworn in as Hong Kong leader
By By Hu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-06-25 00:02

Donald Tsang has been officially sworn in as the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) hands new Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang his letter of appointment during a swearing-in ceremony in Beijing's Great Hall of the People June 24, 2005. [Reuters]

He took the oath of office in front of Premier Wen Jiabao in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 9am on Friday.

Wearing his trademark bow-tie, a smiling Tsang shook hands with the premier, who handed him the letter of appointment after the inauguration to unanimous applause.

The premier said he hoped Tsang would lead and unite the SAR government and Hong Kong people, and “contribute more to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.”

Wen, who met Tsang after the oath-taking ceremony, quoted an old Chinese saying – “The task is arduous while the road ahead is long” – to encourage the new Hong Kong leader.

He reiterated a pledge that the central government will unswervingly uphold the “one country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law, and support the rule of SAR government according to law.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the Hong Kong people and the country. I will certainly continue to work hard for the future of Hong Kong,” Tsang said.

Vice-Premier Wu Yi, State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan, and Liao Hui, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, attended the ceremony.

Also present were Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam Sui-lung, and Tsang’s wife Salina.

In the afternoon, President Hu Jintao also met Tsang.

The president congratulated Tsang for assuming the office as Hong Kong’s new chief executive and approved his programme for governance.

Hu said Tsang was elected strictly according to law, after he won the support and nomination from the majority members of the Election Committee in the chief executive by-election.

Tsang won support from 710 members of the 796-strong EC, making him the only valid nomination.

Hu hoped Tsang will constantly improve governance, maintain social stability and harmony, and promote economic development.

Tsang made governance, social harmony and economy the three major areas that he will give priority to after taking office, a platform that has won widespread support.

“We believe Hong Kong compatriots have the wisdom and capability to handle Hong Kong affairs well. Hong Kong’s future will be brighter,” Hu said.

Tsang said he appreciated the central government’s trust in him, adding that he will perform his duties in accordance with the law and go all out to live up to the expectations of the central government and the Hong Kong people.

The 61-year-old Tsang was endorsed by the State Council for the top job on Tuesday, after securing overwhelming EC support last week.

A public survey conducted by a Hong Kong-based youth organization found that more than 80 per cent of Hong Kong’s youths support Tsang.

Among the candidates, Tsang had the most experience and the most administrative ability, the survey found.

Tsang will serve the remaining two years of former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa’s second term. Tung resigned in March on health grounds.

There will be another vote in 2007 for a new chief executive with a full five-year-term.

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