HK New Leaders Pledge to Exert Best Service"I pledge to serve the community to the best of my abilities and in the best interests of Hong Kong people," the newly-named Administrative Secretary Donald Tsang said at a media session. He said he was grateful for the confidence the Chief Executive has shown in him, and to the Central People's Government for entrusting him with the office. "In taking up my new appointment, I am conscious that Anson Chan is a hard act to follow," he said, adding that he will ensure that the traditional values and the professionalism of the civil service will endure. The 180,000 members of the civil service aspire to serve Hong Kong as a dynamic and responsible team. Tsang said one of his vital tasks is to assist the Chief Executive in the implementation of the 'One country, Two systems' policy. He reiterated that Hong Kong's success has been built on the rule of law, a level playing field for business, the free and unfettered flow of news and information and civil liberties. "We have to show clearly in China's mainland and the rest of the world that 'One Country, Two Systems' has been working successfully in Hong Kong. We must let people know that Hong Kong is not a test case but a showcase for this unique concept," Tsang said. "We must make them feel confident that the success of 'One Country, Two Systems' and 'Hong Kong people running Hong Kong' has taken root in Hong Kong," Tsang added. New Financial Secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung also made a statement immediately after the announcement of his appointment, saying^"As Hong Kong continues to recover from the Asian financial crisis, I look forward to working closely with my civil service colleagues to consolidate the achievements made so far," Leung said. He said, "We will also continue to push forward our economic development in a way that benefits all sectors of the community." "My aim is to provide economic opportunities for the many, not just the few," Leung added. He stressed that as the financial secretary, he will maintain a sound monetary system and Hong Kong's business-friendly environment. "My objective is to leverage Hong Kong's strengths to further promote the development of our financial services and different economic spheres, to realize Hong Kong's potentials as one of the world's leading economies," Leung said. "I attach great importance to continuing the prudent management of public finances," Leung said. He will endeavor to ensure that Hong Kong's financial position remains healthy and that "our resources are used sensibly in the overall interest of the community," he said. Thursday's appointments were also welcomed by many celebrities from various walks of life in Hong Kong, who expressed their confidence in the new leadership headed by the Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa. Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Joseph Yam paid tribute to Tsang's five-and-a-half years service as financial secretary and welcomed the appointment of Leung as Hong Kong's new financial secretary. "Hong Kong's ability as a city to weather the financial crisis and to withstand the severe attacks on our financial system has owed much to Donald Tsang's able helmsmanship," Yam said. Yam also believed that Leung will bring to the office of financial secretary a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. "It is most heartening for us to have Tsang and Leung, with their high standing, vast experience and unquestioned commitment, in positions of leadership in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," Chairman of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority Hon Charles Lee Yeh-kwong said after the appointments were announced. |
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