Donald Tsang

"There is no question of going back," Donald Tsang said in his first briefing with foreign reporters since taking office March 12 as acting chief executive. "The next stage will be more democratic than it is now."

Tsang replaced the unpopular Tung Chee-hwa, who had led the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Tung quit March 10, citing failing health, but many believe Beijing's communist leaders sacked him because they wanted to install someone more to their liking.

But Tsang -- who serves until a new leader is elected July 10 -- said the speculation was untrue. "There is absolutely no conspiracy in this," he said.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 19, 2005
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