New CE Takes Up Reins of Government

Having won the support of the Election Committee and the endorsement of the Hong Kong community, Donald Tsang was officially sworn in as Hong Kong’s Chief Executive at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 24.

The ceremony took place before Premier Wen Jiabao, with State Council Secretary-General Hua Jianmin presiding over the oath-taking. 

Premier Wen said the support of the Mainland and Hong Kong people are more important than greetings. He noted the work of Mr Tsang will be challenging, but said he believes Mr Tsang will put his words into action, bring Hong Kong people together, lead the Government and maintain the city's prosperity. 

In a following meeting with Premier Wen and President Hu, Mr Tsang discussed various themes on the future of Hong Kong. “These themes coincide with what I proposed in the manifesto during the election," he said. “We must upgrade governance in Hong Kong; we must create a more harmonious society and we must concentrate on improving the livelihood of Hong Kong people and the economy."  Mr Tsang reflected on the many valuable insights he gained during his campaign, reaching out to the community at large in “all the places where my fellow citizens gather in our streets, our housing estates, our teahouses, our elderly homes, our typhoon shelter."  "Strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland is key to the city's success," said Mr Tsang, adding that the Central Government agreed with his policy objectives. He reiterated his policy objectives will be people-based, adding efficient and effective governance is his aim. 

In his first week on the job, the Chief Executive appointed Mr Rafael Hui as the Chief Secretary for Administration. During his 30 years in the civil service, Mr Hui has served in a number of key posts. Mr Tsang expressed his confidence that Mr Hui will help his work in leading Principal Officials and civil service colleagues, improving government efficiency, and making and implementing established policies.

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