COMMENTARIES
GOVERNOR
(Editorials)
Noting that Sir David Wilson would be the first ruling peer in Hong Kong, the HK Economic Journal said this had increased the chance for another peer to be appointed as the next Governor. However, since HK would still be troubled by political problems over the next few years, Prince Charles would not be a suitable candidate. The paper believed CS Sir David Ford would remain in post because Britain would need him to help the new Governor.
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addad that en inng as the next Governor was assisted by a CS who was able to keep his hand on the pulse of things, appease civil servants and ensure asdministrative efficiency, it was not important whether the new Governor was a China expert or a diplomat. The paper said a public relations type of politician or a capitalist who had been made peer for his success in business would be the most appropriate candidate.
The HK Economic Times noted that many Government officials had spoken well of Sir David Wilson, but the objectives of his administration were somewhat blurred. The paper felt that it wa most important for the next Governor to stabilise the economic and law and order situation internally and to promote HK as the hub Of the economic set-up in Southern China externally. "Therefore, we need a decisive man who can steadily steer us to our external goal," the paper said, adding that a prerequisite of the next Governor would be his capability to deal with China.
The paper added that the announcement on the change in Governorship now would benefit HK because the issue would still remain in the control of the Conservative British Government.
Sing Tao Daily noted that Sir David had gone through many a crisis during his term of office here and every time he had landed us on cafe grounds. The post of HK Governor was a lob not to be envied because he would have to deal with both Britain and China and at
the same time promote freedom and democrqay th the territory. "We would need a political heavyweight who can be on the same footing as the Prime Minister, whom China recognises as someone to be reckoned with and who can inspire confidence among local people, the paper said.
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The HK Daily News agreed that Sir David had tried his best to serve MK and that he had had a tough job. In the latter half of the transition, the HK Governor who be one with high prestige and a film character and he should also have a full understanding of the situation in HK.