Hong Kong: A former high-ranking Hong Kong
government official who is widely expected to be chosen as the
territory`s next leader confirmed his candidacy on Saturday.
Henry Tang said he wants to be the city`s third post
colonial leader. The current chief executive, Donald Tsang, is
scheduled to step down in 2012 after seven years at the helm.
Hong Kong`s next leader will be chosen by a 1,200-member
committee dominated by pro-Beijing figures that will be formed
in December.
Local news reports have said for months that Tang is seen
as Beijing`s favourite for the job.
Tang was the second-highest ranking government official
until September, when he quit to mull a bid for the top job.
"I did not arrive at this decision easily because Hong
Kong has many challenges, but I believe I have the experience
and the ability to galvanise the community," Tang said.
Rival Leung Chun-ying, who is also a former government
official, is set to announce his candidacy tomorrow. Opinion
polls indicate Leung is much more popular than Tang.
Hong Kong is a former British colony that returned to
Chinese rule in 1997 but has kept its own political and
financial system and a wide degree of autonomy under a
principle known as "one country, two systems."
Hong Kong`s mini-constitution promises eventual democracy
and Western-style civil liberties not seen in the mainland.
PTI
