Heavyweights get behind 'iron man'

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and Election Committee members including former chief secretary for administration Henry Tang Ying-yen, prominent establishment figures and legislators have thrown their weight behind "iron man" John Lee to be Hong Kong's next leader.

Lo Man-tuen, an Election Committee member and vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, believes a Lee team will be good in administering Hong Kong although the man himself specializes in security matters.

He sees Lee as a suitable candidate for the top job as he can be friendly or tough depending on the situation. Among other things that would help him to stand firm during times of Sino-US wrestling.

"The new CE must be an 'iron man' who unswervingly implements the national security law and the electoral changes with determination," Lo said in a commentary in Ming Pao yesterday.

Lo also said a candidate could only have the central government's trust and support after being tested during the anti-fugitive bill movement as well as the introduction of the national security law and the new electoral system.

Meanwhile, Paul Chan said on his Facebook that Sunday's start of the nomination period for the chief executive election symbolizes Hong Kong stepping on a new stage.

"I am happy to learn Lee has already resigned as chief secretary for administration and is intending to join the sixth chief executive election," Chan said. "I wish him all the best."

Tang, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said Lee is a responsible patriot who has served the government for a long time, and is "practical and down to earth."

Tang also said the SAR needs a competent and responsible leader and governing team amid the pandemic and to work with all sectors of the community to resolve long-term deep-rooted issues and lead Hong Kong to a fresh start.

Election Committee member Cheung Chi-kong, a supporter of former chief executive Leung Chun-ying, said it is reasonable for Lee to go further up the ladder and become the SAR's leader.

Social welfare lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen of the Third Side said Lee appears to be a high-handed figure as he deals mostly with national security issues, but he said Lee was open to opinions and willing to back down when he last worked with him.

"I hope Lee will show his gentler side as well as a diversified governing team," Tik added, "or else it might not be beneficial at the start of his administration."

Election committee member and solicitor Maggie Chan Man-ki said she would be happy to nominate Lee as chief executive candidate as he would be good at integrating Hong Kong into the national development plan and maintaining the SAR's prosperity and stability in the long run.

Commercial (First) sector lawmaker Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung said he had known Lee for many years and praised him for having a firm stance in safeguarding national security.

"Lee solved many cases when he was in the police force, which shows that he has the ability to govern, execute and adapt to changes," he said.

"He is also a decisive man, unlike the traditional civil servants who do things by the book. That makes him a leader Hong Kong needs most."

Sunny Tan, the legislative representative for the textiles and garments sector, said Lee is a suitable candidate for becoming chief executive as he demonstrated perseverance and resilience during the anti-fugitive bill movement in 2019 and the continuing pandemic.

In response to media questions, Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, the chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings, did not say who he will support, but he hopes the next leader can give Hongkongers better homes.