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Search for new HK leader begins

Hong Kong's No. 2-ranked official, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang, right, is surrounded by photographers as he walks outside the Hong Kong government headquarters yesterday. Tung Chee-hwa returned home Sunday after meeting with China's president, premier and other top officials in Beijing, but he kept quiet on widespread speculation that he will soon resign. Tsang was tipped to be the successor of Tung. PHOTO: AP

Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (董建華) huddled behind closed doors yesterday with three cabinet members -- including an official rumored to be his successor -- amid intense speculation that the unpopular politician would soon quit with two years left in his term.

The officials refused to talk to the media, and the weeklong political drama over Tung's future showed few clear signs of ending.

The resignation rumors have been partly fueled by Tung, who has repeatedly declined to assure the public he's staying. He has only said he would address the issue at the "appropriate time."

Many of Tung's critics have said that the ongoing political uncertainty and lack of transparency could damage Hong Kong.

Those meeting with Tung yesterday included those who could be reshuffled if Tung steps down: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang (曾蔭權), Financial Secretary Henry Tang (唐英年) and Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology John Tsang (曾俊華).

Donald Tsang's spokesman Donald Chen confirmed the official met with Tung but declined to give details.

The spokeswoman for the commerce secretary, Diana To, said she didn't know what was discussed at the meeting but called it an "ordinary" gathering.

Spokesmen for Tung and Tang declined to confirm the meeting.

Tung's movements have been scrutinized by the local media since he returned from Beijing on Sunday after meeting with his bosses -- Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) and Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶). The media described the trip as a farewell tour for Tung.

If Tung quits, Donald Tsang -- the No. 2 ranking official -- will replace him until a new leader, or chief executive, is elected by an 800-member election committee. Hong Kong voters can't directly elect their leader.

Tung also met with Donald Tsang on Sunday after his return, but government spokesman Victor Cheung said Tsang briefed Tung on happenings in Hong Kong when Tsang served as acting leader during his absence.

Speculation of Tung's departure intensified more than a week ago when the leader was named to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a top advisory body to the China's legislature. He reportedly will be appointed one of the group's vice chairmen -- a title usually given to retired leaders.

Tung has had a troubled tenure since becoming leader of this former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Many view him as incompetent, alleging his government didn't tackle Hong Kong's economic woes and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003. Tung is also seen as China's local puppet in not allowing greater democracy.

In the lowest point of his rule, half a million upset at an anti-subversion bill viewed as draconian marched in protest on July 1, 2003. The bill was later shelved.
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