Discussions about the prospective chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) have once again been revived, as Hong Kong is heading towards June 30, 1997.
This is a pivotal issue for Hong Kong which needs a strong figurehead to guide it through the turbulent years that lie ahead. Selection criteria put forth so far have adopted a generally mundane approach - they are either too academic or tainted with political overtones.
Some people have suggested that the chief executive should possess administrative experience, diplomatic skills and financial and business knowledge - attributes of a dyed-in-the-wool bureaucrat or business executive. Since the chief executive will be assisted by a team of hand-picked, veteran administrators supported by about 180,000 civil servants, one would only attach secondary importance to his administrative capabilities. Others have ranked patriotism and loyalty to China as the first prerequisite for the post.
In the light of Hong Kong's historical and cultural background, a more open and objective criterion should be adopted to include candidates who demonstrate love for Hong Kong and its people, whether or not they entertain equally strong sentiments towards their mother country. Still others have placed emphasis on the chief executive's personal background and credibility. One cannot imagine how the chief executive could be acceptable to the community if he did not possess a good public service record and a positive image. Again, many of our community leaders who enjoy high public regard can easily measure up to this requirement.
A more taxing demand on the post, in my view, should be the display of political acumen. A penchant for public policies, astute sensitivity, a broad perspective and insight into public affairs are part of the panoply of political leadership.
Further, the chief executive must be able to resolve conflicts between the central government and the SAR administration; and to compromise the political differences between the Chinese authorities and the democrats over such issues as the pace of political reforms, human rights and judicial independence. Here, interpersonal relationships often work miracles in bringing about solutions acceptable to all parties concerned.
