New Team of Principal Officials Appointed

For more information, please contact:
Ada Chong at 212-752-3320
Daniel McAtee at 202-238-6360
Wing Yan Tong at 415-835-9315

June 25, 2007 - The Central People's Government, on the nomination of the Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, approved the appointments of Principal Officials of the Third Term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on June 23.

Commenting on the appointments, the Chief Executive said that he believed the professional, pragmatic and committed new team would single-mindedly work with him to deliver on the pledges he made in his election platform.

"The appointments include incumbent Principal Officials and several new faces. This will help us to ensure stability and continuity, as well as add some new blood to our governing team. All members of my new team have displayed in their work a strong sense of pragmatism that I promote," the Chief Executive said.

"While their backgrounds are diverse, the three Secretaries and 12 Directors of Bureaus share a common commitment to our country, our territory and our people. Importantly, they share my governing philosophy. Given their talents and abilities, they are the best candidates for these senior positions. Together, they will make a great team."

To the outgoing Chief Secretary for Administration and the five Directors of Bureaus, Mr. Tsang extended his utmost gratitude.

He said, "During times of adversity, they resolutely remained with the SAR Government to loyally serve our people. Looking back, we can see that Hong Kong has overcome one challenge after another. Today, we are back on track, moving forward, and our economy has been growing impressively. While thanks should go to the Hong Kong people for their determination and resilience, as well as their understanding and support for the SAR Government, we must also pay tribute to the meritorious service of these Principal Officials."

Fifteen Principal Officials appointed under the accountability system are on non-civil service terms. They are:

Secretaries of Departments
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Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Henry Tang Ying-yen
Financial Secretary, Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah
Secretary for Justice, Mr. Wong Yan Lung, SC

Directors of Bureaux
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Secretary for Education, Mr. Michael Suen Ming-yeung
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr. Frederick Ma Si-hang
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr. Stephen Lam Sui-lung
Secretary for Security, Mr. Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong
Secretary for Food and Health, Dr. York Chow
Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue Chung-yee
Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr. Tsang Tak-sing
Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan
Secretary for Development, Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor
Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah
Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms. Eva Cheng

Also appointed on June 23 are five Principal Officials heading the disciplined services, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Audit Commission for the third term of the HKSAR Government. They are the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tang King-shing; the Commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mr. Timothy Tong Hin-ming; the Director of Audit, Mr. Benjamin Tang; the Director of Immigration, Mr. Lai Tung-kwok; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr. Richard Yuen Ming-fai.

Meanwhile, the Government announced the appointments of Mr. Norman Chan as the Director of the Chief Executive's Office and Professor Lau Siu-kai as the Head of the Central Policy Unit.

Please click here for the biographical notes on the appointed officials.