Former finance chief urges Hongkongers to devote energy to solving city's problems
TONY CHEUNGtony.cheung@scmp.com
PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 25 November, 2015, 12:18am
UPDATED : Wednesday, 25 November, 2015, 12:18am
Former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying must seek to unite all Hongkongers because it was "a pity" to see people devoting their energy to political conflicts rather than solving the city's problems, according to a former minister.
In a public forum on Tuesday, former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung - tipped to contest the chief executive election in 2017 - was asked what his short-term goals would be if he was elected the city's leader.
"Don't talk about me. I hope the current chief executive and his successors can, firstly, unite all Hong Kong people," Leung said. "It is a pity if we only resort to struggles, but not unite the people, and have their opinions and passion devoted to developing Hong Kong, especially its economy."
He also complained that Hong Kong lacks "smoothness in the governance and harmony among people".
The ex-minister has called for unity and warned against political conflicts in recent months, but it was the first time he directed those remarks at Leung Chun-ying. His comments are the latest in a series of interventions which have stoked speculation he will return to public life as a candidate in 2017.
A month ago, Antony Leung called for an end to "struggles" in society, but when asked whether he was talking about the city's leader, he said: "Everyone has the responsibility to do so."
In an interview with the Post in August, Antony Leung also called for more mutual respect in Hong Kong and urged government officials to "be humble and tolerant" to critical voices.
He was financial chief from 2001 to 2003, but quit government amid heavy criticism for buying a luxury Lexus before announcing a budget proposal to sharply increase tax on new cars.
On the district council election on Sunday, Antony Leung yesterday said he was glad that many young people had taken part in the election and showed their concern about politics.
He also reiterated that if Hongkongers can demonstrate that they can contribute to the nation's development, Beijing will be glad to preserve the city's core values when the central government's pledges under the "one country, two systems" principle expire in 2047.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1883008/political-conflicts-dividing-hong-kong-are-such-pity-says
