Tsang vows to thrive in new challenge

New Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai says he will step up public education on the national constitution and the Basic Law after his appointment - along with four other ministers in a reshuffle - was confirmed by the State Council.

The others were Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, Alfred Sit Wing-hang, Christopher Hui Ching-yu and Caspar Tsui Ying-wai.

Tsang, 56, previously the director of immigration, said his appointment is "a brand new challenge."

He added: "But with my experience in public administration in past years and previous working relationships with different mainland authorities, I believe I am capable of doing this job."

Amid the controversy concerning the role of the Liaison Office as stated in the Basic Law, Tsang said he will enhance the promotion and education of the country's constitution and the Hong Kong's mini-constitution to ensure comprehensive understanding among the public.

Tsang said he will work closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission to ensure elections are open, fair and honest.

The Legislative Council election is set for September, followed by the chief executive election committee poll next year.

Tsang's predecessor in the constitutional affairs bureau, Nip, is now secretary for the civil service, succeeding Joshua Law Chi-kong.

Nip said he will the defend core values of civil servants, including political neutrality and rule of law. He said he has worked in the government for 34 years and civil servants are "the mainstays of maintaining the governance and prosperity of Hong Kong."

Nip said he will lead the civil service in supporting the chief executive's governance and providing professional and quality public service to Hongkongers, as well as contribute to the fight against the pandemic.

Sit, formerly the director of electrical and mechanical services, replaced 65-year-old Nicholas Yang Wei-hsiung as secretary for innovation and technology.

Sit said he will take forward the IT development in Hong Kong with the "three bridges" of innovation and technology, communication, and talent.

He said to pursue economic development and enhance people's livelihood through innovation and technology, people's understanding and support are needed. Sit said he will enhance the training of talent and attract more overseas experts to join Hon Kong's pool.

Tsui, 43, previously the undersecretary for labor and welfare, replaced Lau Kong-wah as secretary for home affairs.

While fighting the coronavirus is the priority now, Tsui said his bureau will have a lot of work to do in areas like sports and culture to help rebuild the city after the pandemic.

"I want to enhance communication and cooperation with various sectors," he said.

"After the pandemic, I am confident we can overcome these challenges together."

Hui, 42, who was the executive director of the Financial Services Development Council, replaced James Lau as secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

Hui said taking up the new role in the government is like "coming home" and called on people to work together.

Amid the difficulties, he believes the city's "financial gene" has not changed. He said he will further strengthen the SAR's status as an international financial center.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com

Editorial: Beijing's disciplined approach to reshuffle