Hong Kong's newly appointed Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, said the support of the central government and the people of Hong Kong is essential to his challenging new job.
Tsang made the remarks at a press conference in Hong Kong yesterday afternoon, just hours after Premier Wen Jiabao signed a decree stating the long-time civil servant will hold the office until June 30, 2007.
The State Council named Tsang the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in a special meeting earlier yesterday.
Tsang will fly to Beijing tomorrow and be formally sworn in on Friday. He said he will begin to implement his program of work immediately.
Tsang asked the community to join him "in starting a new chapter for this remarkable city we call home." Promising to keep up his dialogues with the Hong Kong community, Tsang said people's valuable advice can help him avoid losing his direction.
He said the people of Hong Kong have made their message loud and clear: They want a government with the patience to listen, which is sensitive to their needs, prompt and timely in action, and capable of preserving the values and institutions that Hong Kong has long treasured.
Tsang said he wants to demonstrate to Hong Kong people that he stands ready to act, and to act in a timely way for their welfare and interests.
He also wants to restore harmony and inclusiveness in the community and give Hong Kong people a government that deserves their trust.
Tsang, 60, resigned from his position as Hong Kong's chief secretary on May 25 to run in the by-election for the chief executive. He won the June 16 vote with the support of 714 members of the Election Committee.
The chief executive position opened up when Tung Chee-hwa resigned for health reasons on March 12.
"The fact that Mr. Tsang was nominated and supported by 714 members of the Election Committee and then won as the electee shows that he enjoys extensive recognition and support from various walks of life in Hong Kong," said Wen.