Opposition scorns Donald Tsang's appeal

But his huge popularity ratings and ability to win over the public made him the best stand-in when former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa (董建華) resigned in March.

His address was part of a carrot-and-stick joint push by Hong Kong and China to bring opponents around to the administration's position.

The effort also included an invitation by Beijing for Hong Kong lawmakers -- including many democrats banned from the mainland -- to put their claims to a Chinese official today.