CY Leung Again Dodges Questions Over CE Re-run

CY Leung says he would be happy to serve the country and Hong Kong in any role – but stopped short of saying he would run again for Chief Executive next year.

The comments come amid speculation that Leung, a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, could launch a bid to return as the city’s leader.

Leung was appearing on an RTHK programme on Saturday afternoon to talk about the national 14th five-year plan and also talk about the recent changes to SAR's electoral system.

When asked if he would consider re-running for CE in 2022, Leung replied: "I have answered this question many times, I am very happy to serve the country or Hong Kong in any position."

Leung then went on to add that when it comes to picking the Chief Executive, society should think about the city’s "construction period" for the next five or six years, and should pick someone who makes good use of the SAR's advantages and opportunities, and develops the city's economy and society to improve people's lives.

On the subject of changes to the SAR's electoral system, the former CE addressed concerns by critics that Legco would become "an echo chamber", and that those from the pro-democracy camp would be barred from running.

He said that Legco would be "an echo chamber" in terms of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development, but that there would be different views on other issues such as housing and people's livelihoods.

He said the reforms would ensure more efficient governance and there would be no more filibustering by lawmakers.

Leung said he hoped that no one would boycott the elections. He said voters would be able to pick representatives based on their policies on a number of issues, and that elected legislators would be able to show the people of Hong Kong that they were capable of fulfilling their duties under the Basic Law, and boosting public confidence.

He also went on to describe the 14th five-year plan as "a golden opportunity for Hong Kong", and said the SAR should seize it, or else risk being less competitive than other mainland cities by the time of the next five-year plan.