New chapter opens: Chief Executive Donald Tsang, accompanied by his wife, Salina, meets the press after the State Council appointed him the new Chief Executive.

Donald Tsang says the chief executive's job is  challenging and a heavy responsibility, adding the support of the Central Government and Hong Kong people is essential to his work.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Tsang said he was pleased to know that the Central People's Government had appointed him as Hong Kong's Chief Executive for the remainder of the second term.

Mr Tsang will fly to Beijing shortly and be formally sworn in. He said he will begin to implement his programme of work immediately.

Mr Tsang asked the community to join him "in starting a new chapter for this remarkable city we call home".

Promising to keep up his dialogue with the community, Mr Tsang says peoples' valuable advice can help him avoid losing directions.

HK peoples' demand loud, clear

Reflecting on the election process, Mr Tsang said the exercise has affected him deeply and the related experience was enlightening and rewarding.

He said Hong Kong peoples' message is loud and clear. They want a Government with the patience to listen, which is sensitive to their needs, prompt and timely in action, and capable of preserving the values and institutions that Hong Kong people have long treasured.

Mr Tsang said he wants to demonstrate to Hong Kong people that he stands ready to act, and to act in a timely way for their welfare and interests. 

He also wants to restore harmony and inclusiveness in the community and give Hong Kong people a government that deserves their trust.

The chief executive pledged he will endeavour to deliver the modest ambitions that he promised during the election.

Future plans

When asked who will fill the post of chief secretary, Mr Tsang said he will consider the issue and make his final decision after being sworn in.

Mr Tsang said he hoped to strengthen the participation of the public and political parties in policy-making through the expansion of the Commission on Strategic Development and a revamp of the Executive Council.

He believed such measures will help achieve consensus politics and pave the way for a warm reception of the Government's new policies.

On Hong Kong's constitutional development, Mr Tsang assured journalists the Chief Executive Election in 2007 will be more open, inclusive and democratic, adding the fifth constitutional development report will be published in the autumn.

Commenting on the public procession to be held on July 1, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong people have the freedom and right to participate in any procession.

It is up to Hong Kong people to decide whether to join or not, he added.