No crying for the wolfCHIEF executives of Hong Kong have never basked in public adoration. The first one under Chinese rule, Tung Chee-hwa, resigned after a massive public outcry against his policies. The second, Donald Tsang, ended his term with allegations swirling around him of improper conduct (he denies them). Now the third, Leung Chun-ying, has said he will not stand for another five-year term. Though he cites family reasons, his rock-bottom popularity may well have been a factor. Nearly 20 years after taking back Hong Kong, the Communist Party in Beijing may be wondering whether it can ever pick a winner to lead the former colony.
It had been widely assumed that, despite Mr Leung’s low opinion-poll ratings, the party would give him tacit backing in a race getting underway for the post of chief executive. The choice will be made in March by the 1,200 members of an election committee stuffed with the party’s supporters in Hong Kong. It only takes a nod from leaders in Beijing to swing votes in favour of the party’s preferred candidate.
But on December 9th Mr Leung told reporters at a hastily arranged...Continue reading
Source: China http://ift.tt/2gNz7At
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