Performance pledge: Chief Executive designate Donald Tsang promises to improve governance, build a more harmonious society and address Hong Kong's economic issues.

Chief Executive designate Donald Tsang will deliver his Policy Address in October outlining his Executive Council revamp plan. He said all principal officials and non-official council members will be asked to stay.

Speaking after being confirmed as the next chief executive today, Mr Tsang said the election had been conducted in strict accordance with the Basic Law.

"Subjected to the approval of the State Council, I shall be appointed as the new chief executive for the remaining two years."

He commended prospective candidates Lee Wing-tat and Chim Pui-chung for participating in the exercise and invited everyone to join him to work towards the best interests of Hong Kong and to restore social harmony.

Future tasks

Mr Tsang said his election manifesto has been divided into three parts namely improving governance, building a more harmonious society and addressing Hong Kong's economic issues.

To improve governance he plans to revamp the Executive Council. However, he needs some time to consider how to conduct the revamp and he will listen to the views of all principal officials and incumbent ExCo members.

He said he has not decided on the new ExCo membership, adding he is also considering who will fill the post of chief secretary for administration.

Mr Tsang pledged to build a harmonious society by cultivating a more friendly working relationship between the Legislative and Executive Councils.

His Policy Address will outline the jobs to materialise the pledges he made during the election exercise.

Dialogue continues

Noting the views he gathered during the election exercise were valuable, Mr Tsang said his communication with the community will not be a one-off exercise and promised to keep such dialogue going on in the future.

On constitutional development, Mr Tsang said the Government has been reviewing electoral arrangements and is working towards a more open system for the chief executive and LegCo elections in 2007 and '08.