Tung Chee-hwa will find himself in an advantageous position to promote the SAR's ties with the mainland now he has been elected vice-chairman of the CPPCC, local political and community leaders said yesterday (Mar.13).

His remarkable contributions to Hong Kong's smooth transition have earned him the status of a State leader, many opined.

Tsang Hin-chi, a member of National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), said Tung's elevation to the vice-chairmanship of the national advisory body will be conducive to Hong Kong's long-term political and economic development.

At the new post, Tung will have more opportunity to meet State leaders and share with them the political and economic issues concerning Hong Kong, said Tsang.

"His election will ensure that national policies mapped out by the central authorities are more in line with the interests of Hong Kong," he added.

Lee Cho-jat, a CPPCC member, weighed in, saying that Tung would play an important role in forging closer ties between Hong Kong and the mainland.

"Tung is the most suitable person for the job. He has made huge efforts and demonstrated good leadership to lead Hong Kong on a smooth transition over the past eight years.

"With his good relations and close ties with central government, Tung can continue to reflect the voices of Hong Kong citizens (to them) to enhance communication with the mainland."

Lee said the new SAR leadership, headed by Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang, needed to accomplish the challenging tasks of maintaining political stability and steering towards economic recovery.

He believes the new government leadership can seek Tung's opinions and suggestions in governance.

Executive Councillor Leung Chun-ying said yesterday Tung can still serve Hong Kong citizens, though at a higher-ranking position.

Vincent Lo, a CPPCC member and chairman of Shui On Group, hoped Tung can work for "closer economic integration" in the Pearl River Delta area so as to boost the SAR's competitiveness as an international financial hub of China.

Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB) member and lawmaker Lau Kong-wah said Tung's election has shown the successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

"Tung's election will further consolidate the implementation of 'one country, two systems' so that the public can better understand the central government's policies from the perspective of 'one country'," he said.

Executive Councillor Cheng Yiu-tong said that Beijing highly recognized Tung's contributions to the implementation of "one country, two systems" and the smooth transition after Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Cheng hoped the new government leadership headed by Donald Tsang can improve the relationship between the government and civil servants.

James Sung, a political scientist at City University of Hong Kong, said the new SAR leadership needed to address the ministerial system to enhance policy-making co-ordination and team spirit among principal officials and improve tense executive-legislature ties.

"With his career civil servant background, as well as his good personal relations with political party leaders and Legislative Council members, Tsang will be able to engage in more communication with them."

Editor: Olivia