The chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, Donald Tsang, announced Wednesday evening he had tendered resignation in view of his intention to run for the Chief Executive election.

Donald Tsang, the chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, waves to the audience as he announces in Hong Kong on May 25, 2005.

He said the request for resignation has been submitted to the State Council for consideration Wednesday afternoon and that he will proceed on leave thereafter and prepare to run for the election.

As soon as the State Council approves his resignation, he will publish his administrative program to the public and seek their support, Tsang said.

He noted that his running for the Chief Executive election has been motivated by his idea of contributing his share to the success of "One Country, Two Systems" and of Hong Kong.

He said Hong Kong is his home where he was born and grew up.

He said he truly believes that he shares the same aspiration as all Hong Kong people to look forward to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability, with the people continuing to live in peace and contentment.

He said that when the post of Chief Executive became vacant, he, encouraged by his family and friends, decided to take up the challenges and participate in the election and serve the people.

Tsang, 60 years old, served as the chief secretary for administration of the second-term Hong Kong SAR government from July 2002 and became the Acting Chief Executive from March 12, 2005.

In accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Henry Tang became the Acting Chief Executive when Tsang proceeded on leave.

Source: Xinhua