HK To Go Without Acting Chief Secretary For Now: CE

Hong Kong will be left without anyone formally acting as the number two official for the time being, as Beijing considers John Lee’s request to resign to pave the way for a run at the top job.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam told a press conference on Thursday that there was no constitutional requirement to immediately name a replacement, and that Beijing would consider Lee’s resignation and his proposed replacement at the same time.

Lam said even though this is a departure from past practice – like when Matthew Cheung was named acting chief secretary on the same day that she herself resigned to run for Chief Executive in 2017 – having Beijing consider both issues together is “more appropriate.”

“Don’t worry, everyone,” she added, “Even without a chief secretary, there'll still be someone doing the work.”

Lam declined to comment on Lee’s bid to become her successor, stressing that she will not make any remarks at all about the coming election on May 8.

“My only responsibility is to successfully hold the sixth term Chief Executive election,” she said.

Asked why she thought Beijing had so far not commented on her decision against seeking a second term in office, Lam stressed the central government is under no obligation to say anything.

"My decision to not seek a second term is my decision. Why does anybody have to make a public response to my decision?"

"I welcome my friends, my supporters to send me messages that they did appreciate what I have done in my term, but there's no need for any official response from any governments, including the central people's government," she added.

Lam had announced on Monday that she will retire after her term of office ends on June 30, citing family reasons.