1992-01-02
12:25 INFORMATION SERVICES DEPT
852 521 7725
P.03/13
3
Reactions:
News of Sir David Wilson's retirement drew widespread reactions both in HK and London. The general feeling was that Sir David had done a lot for HK people and that his retirement was not likely to affect the territory's administration.
Praising Sir David's steadfast leadership, CS Sir David Ford said that his retirement next year should not affect confidence in HK or the continuity of the administration.
Tin Tin Daily quoted a secretary-level officer who wished to remain anonymous as saying that the change of governor was not expected to have any effect on the administration and on people's confidence. The officer praised Sir David as "a good boss" who had shown good performance and knew how to appreciate the work of his subordinates.
Owelco: Senior Exco member Baroness Dunn said that she was sorry to hear the news. Attributing the success of HK's airport project to Sir David's foresight and determination, she said that she would continue to support him in the coming months.
Allen Lee was also saddened by the news. He said that Sir David had done much for HK, especially during the Sino-British negotiations on the airport. He did not think his retirement would affect the Government's operation as policies were formulated collectively by Exco. Mr Lee described as "unfair" the criticisms by the UK press that Sir David was "short of character".
Wang Gungwu believed that the decision to change HK's Governor had stemmed from the Conservative Party's hope to reinforce confidence in the general election. Dr Wang agreed that the job of a Governor was a very complicated one and that Sir David had done his best.
Rita Fan paid tribute to Sir David for having done a satisfactory job. "He has balanced the needs of Britain, China and HK and steered the territory through difficult times," she said. She believed that Sir David had the capabilitity to continue his work in HK. She hoped that announcement of the next Governor and Sir David's retirement would be made at the same time to quell speculation.
Selina Chow felt that the change in governorship at this point in time was not desirable for K's internal stability.Stephen Cheong said that Sir David had done a great job and that it was unfair to criticise him as "weak".
Surprised by the announcement, Edward Ho said that he was disappointed that Sir David would not stay on until the handover of the sovereignty In 1997. He felt that Sir David was "a very good Governor" and hoped that his successor would understand Sino-lIK relations and HK's special situation.