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The Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, Henry Tang, said he had assumed the duties of the Chief Executive starting Wednesday evening.

"Together with all principal officials and colleagues in the civil service, we will continue to carry out our duties diligently.We will ensure social stability and continued smooth operation of the government," Tang said at a press conference.

"Our most important task now is to ensure the upcoming Chief Executive Election will be completed smoothly so that a new Chief Executive will be returned according to schedule," he added.

He told reporters Donald Tsang tendered his resignation as the chief secretary for administration Wednesday afternoon because hehad decided to stand for the upcoming election of the Chief Executive. He said Tsang proceeded on leave thereafter.

The SAR government respects Tsang's decision, Tang said, addinghe strongly believed that this decision reflected Tsang'scommitment to the successful implementation of the "One Country,Two Systems" arrangement as well as to preserving Hong Kong'scontinued stability and prosperity.   

"I have been working with Mr. Tsang in various capacities formany years. I consider him a highly capable official with extensive administrative experience. And his performance has beenwell received and well supported by the people of Hong Kong," Tang said.

In accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Henry Tang became the Acting Chief Executive when Tsang proceeded on leave.

At the same time, Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands Michael Suen started to act as the Chief Secretary for Administration. 

Editor: Yan