'HK To Rely On Officials With Security Experience'

A leading member of Beijing's top think tank on Hong Kong said on Sunday he believes the SAR requires officials who have a security-related background or experience to govern the territory in the next decade.

The vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Lau Siu-kai, told a TVB programme that such officials have demonstrated more perseverance and loyalty than government administrative officers in recent years.

He said these qualities are needed as Western countries are expected to step up their anti-China efforts in the next 10 years.

"Because they know that if they fail to suppress China and Hong Kong in the next 10 years, China will be more difficult to deal with in the future," Lau said.

"I believe those deemed courageous, with a sense of responsibility and loyal to the country by Beijing, will more be likely to be selected. I am not saying 'civilian' officers won't have a shot, as it's down to personal qualities at the end of the day," he added.

Lau does not believe political reform will be on the incoming administration's agenda as it's tasked to tackle Hong Kong's deep-seated problems and the city's next leader, John Lee, is expected to deliver results as soon as possible.

Lee, a former security minister and chief secretary, will become the next chief executive on July 1.