Congratulations

Hong Kong's outgoing Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was among the first to extend his "warmest congratulations to Leung Chun-ying on his decisive, first ballot victory in Sunday's election".

"I call on the people of Hong Kong to join hands in giving full support to the chief executive-elect, for a better future for all," Tsang declared after the result was announced.

Macao Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on also congratulated Leung on his victory.

Among those declaring their support for the chief executive-elect were members of the Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association, the Government Employees Association and the Hong Kong Civil Servants General Union, who pledged their continued support for the man who will be the city's top official for the next five years.

"We hope that the new leadership enhances communication with civil servants and absorbs different opinions. He should advance the capacity of good governance, raise the prestige of the government and lift the morale of civil servants," declared a letter from members of the civil service.

Peter Woo Kwong-ching, chairman of Wharf Holdings and a member of the election committee, expressed the hope that Leung would take effective action, stand by his pledge to unite the people and to consult with various stakeholders to assist him as he builds his new administration.

"Now that the competition is over, we should look forward. Hong Kong has a lot of concerns that need to be addressed in the coming five years," Woo wrote in a statement.

Tam Yiu-chung, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, stressed the importance of setting aside differences and uniting people from all walks of life.

Many members of the public told the DAB that they trusted Leung as the most suitable choice for the top job, he added.

Ann Chiang Lai-wan, a DAB party member, said: "I've known Leung for decades. He is capable, and he is a gentleman. I hope the people will trust and support him."

The right path

Speaking after his election victory yesterday, Leung said that as the city's new chief executive, he will "walk the right path and seek change whilst maintaining stability".

During his campaign, Leung pledged to build more public housing to meet the needs of low-income families and help those in the middle-income bracket to buy homes. He said that it is the Hong Kong government's responsibility to ensure a steady increase in the supply of land to developers of private housing, according to the Hong Kong-based newspaper, Wen Wei Po.

During the past five years, private property prices in the city have jumped by 95 percent, making Hong Kong the most expensive place to buy a home. Rents have risen by 48 percent over the same period.

Leung also promised to speed up public projects such as the expansion of the city and its rail network and vowed to encourage the use of electric and hybrid cars.

The new chief executive also aims to sharpen Hong Kong's competitive edge through trade, to achieve sustainable growth and bring prosperity and provide a higher standard of living for the city's residents.