Who will help John Lee run Hong Kong? A quick guide to old and new faces on his governing team
- Among 21 key figures appointed under Principal Officials Accountability System, seven are from incumbent administration and two have been promoted from undersecretary
- Another six are currently serving or recently retired civil servants, while further six are newcomers
Hong Kong’s incoming leader John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Sunday his newly formed cabinet which has been approved by Beijing, hailing it as a “diversified team” that showcased professionalism, commitment and international vision.
Among the 21 key figures appointed under the Principal Officials Accountability System, seven are from the incumbent administration and two have been promoted from undersecretary. Another six were currently serving or recently retired civil servants, while a further six were newcomers.
Here is an overview of the new administration.
The incumbent political appointees
Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who serves as director of the Chief Executive’s Office under the outgoing administration led by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, will become Lee’s top aide as chief secretary. Unlike most of his predecessors who were seasoned bureaucrats, Chan was an Immigration Department official – and eventually its chief – before being made director of the office in 2017.
Four ministers will stay in their posts: Paul Chan Mo-po as financial secretary, Chris Tang Ping-keung as secretary for security, Erick Tsang Kwok-wai as secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, and Christopher Hui Ching-yu as secretary for financial services and the treasury.
Four top officials in the new administration have a background in the disciplinary forces. Erick Tsang and Eric Chan both served as Immigration Department chiefs, while Chris Tang was a former commissioner of police and Lee was deputy police commissioner in 2010 before he joined the security bureau in 2012.
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung will take over as secretary for culture, sports and tourism, while development chief Michael Wong Wai-lun will be elevated as deputy financial secretary to oversee housing policies.
Two have been promoted from undersecretaries to secretaries: Christine Choi Yuk-lin, who will be the new secretary for education, and Tse Chin-wan, who will be secretary for environment and ecology.
