Roundup: Tsang's becoming CE meets public expectations: HK newspapers

Hong Kong Chinese language newspapers carried editorials on Wednesday, hailing Donald Tsang's appointment as Hong Kong's Chief Executive by the central government on Tuesday.

The editorials said that through the nomination competition, Donald Tsang automatically became the CE with the support of the absolute majority of the Election Committee. It indicated that his taking up the post of CE is the expectations of the Hong Kong public.

Tsang was elected uncontested on June 16, 2005 as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, and was formally appointed by the State Council, the central government, on June 21, 2005. His term of office will last until June 30, 2007.

Hong Kong Commercial Daily said in its editorial that to Donald Tsang, the victory in the election and the appointment of the central government is a heavy responsibility rather than a great glory.

It said Tsang should live up to the expectations of the central government and all Hong Kong citizens.

The editorial said Hong Kong will face many challenges -- more economic competitions, economic restructuring, different demands of citizens, shortage of education, medical service and social welfare resources and some other problems.

It said Tsang pledged to focus on improving governance, building a harmonious society and promoting economic development in the next two years' government work. The three tasks are no easy job and require arduous efforts.

Wen Wei Po said in its editorial said that from announcing the policy blueprint during Tsang's campaign for the CE to the guidelines of new work after receiving the central government's appointment, Tsang has listed the building of a harmonious society as one of the priorities of his tasks. The building of a harmonious society is the sticking point of problems in Hong Kong.

The editorial said that in the past few years, Hong Kong witnessed many disputes, which weakened the government's administration and hindered the government from focusing on economic development.

It pointed out that creating a harmonious society will be a major challenge for Tsang in his next two years' work.

The editorial said Tsang's taking up the post of CE provides new opportunities for solving conflicts and problems as well as building a harmonious society.

It emphasized that the building of a harmonious society is not only the task of Tsang, but also the responsibilities of all Hong Kong citizens.

Ta Kung Pao said in its editorial that the response to Tsang's appointment is positive. The Hong Kong public believed that it was the best return of the by-election of CE.

The editorial said Hong Kong citizens know Tsang, understand him and citizens has a trust on him. Tsang, a salesman-turned senior official, has won selfless trust from the central government. It indicates that the central government has full confidence in Hong Kong people and always takes into consideration Hong Kong's social stability and Hong Kong people's interest.

It said people from all walk of life in Hong Kong have common expectations of Tsang to create a new chapter for Hong Kong and help build a prosperous, stable and harmonious Hong Kong.

The editorial stressed that apart from prosperity and social stability, harmony is required by Hong Kong.

The editorial expressed expectations of Tsang to bring more prosperity, social stability and harmony to Hong Kong.

Ming Pao and Singtao Daily in their editorials expressed the hope that Tsang will strengthen governance and put the interest of people above anything else.

Source: Xinhua