China's vice-premier Qian Qichen has added his voice of support to Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-Hwa's campaign for a second term in office, a report said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Myanmar, Qian said Tung was merely being Humble when he admitted the shortcomings of the government during his first term. Tung made the admission in a speech Thursday in which he announced his intention to run for a second five-year term.
Qian expressed confidence Tung's performance would improve during his second term in office.
Self-reflection is a good thing. Everyone has (encountered) some problems. I believe he will make improvements in his next term because he will be more experienced, He said in the 'South China Morning Post'. Tung is seen as virtually certain to secure re-election next March. The decision will be made by an 800-member committee which is dominated by pro-Beijing figures drawn mainly from the business community.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin also reiterated on Friday his support for the embattled Tung, whose popularity at home has waned.
While the 800-member committee is likely to reappoint Tung, the chief executive would have next to no chance of winning a democratic election in Hong Kong. Fewer than one in six of Hong Kong's six million citizens want him to carry on as their leader, according to a survey published Thursday. Bureau Report