Ex-finance chief Antony Leung denies Tung Chee-hwa's new think tank is stage for 2017 run
A think tank set up by Tung Chee-hwa to conduct studies on the city's long-term development has identified its first mission - how to bridge the divide caused by the Occupy Central protests.
A think tank set up by former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa to conduct studies on the city's long-term development has identified its first mission - how to bridge the divide caused by the Occupy Central protests.
The Our Hong Kong Foundation, which met for about two hours yesterday, includes among its 70-plus directors former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung, former Monetary Authority chief executive Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, Shun Tak managing director Pansy Ho Chiu-king, former Ocean Park boss Allan Zeman, ex-chief justice Ti-liang Yang and former Democrat lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen.
Antony Leung, who served in Tung's cabinet from 2001 until 2003, has been tipped as a possible successor to beleaguered current leader Leung Chun-ying.
He resigned in 2003 after coming under heavy criticism for buying a luxury car shortly before announcing a proposal to sharply increase a tax on new cars. Leung brushed off suggestions that the think tank would provide him a platform for an eventual bid for the top job.
"You all have been very imaginative. As I said earlier, I have no plan to stand for the chief executive [job]," the banker said, adding that the think tank would study ways to take the city forward after the protests.
"At this juncture, we need more people to give ideas for Hong Kong," he said. "I hope that apart from this foundation, more people can come out and study ways to make amends for the split after Occupy Central."
Leung said he hoped the protesters could end their demonstration as soon as possible.
"If it drags on, I fear that Hong Kong's economy will slide quickly. I am worried it will also seriously affect the rule of law, which is a core value for the city's role as a financial centre."
Tik said Tung told the directors he was worried about the political situation amid the Occupy protests. Tik is the only foundation director with a pan-democratic background.
Zeman said members exchanged views on how to settle the protests, and would hold meetings every month to study ways of promoting "harmony".
"The most important thing is that we find the way that we can have harmony with the students and everyone can get back to the way Hong Kong was," the entertainment mogul said.
Tung - who resigned as chief executive in 2005 and is now a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference - announced his plan to set up a think tank in September after an unexpected return to the spotlight. He led a delegation of tycoons and professionals to Beijing in September.
The think tank will hold an inauguration ceremony and its first forum on November 10.
Chinese Manufacturers' Association president Irons Sze Wing-wai said the think tank might work specifically on improving communications with young people.
