Team spirit: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the principal officials of the third-term HKSAR Government will work with him to deliver on the pledges he made in his election platform.

The Central People's Government has approved Chief Executive Donald Tsang's nominations for the appointments of Principal Officials of the third-term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Henry Tang has been named Chief Secretary for Administration and John Tsang will be the next Financial Secretary. Wong Yang Lung maintains the post of Secretary for Justice.

The Chief Executive emphasised that the third-term SAR Government will be a 'people-based' government, and he has asked all principal officials to reach out to the community, to talk with the general public, to feel the social pulse and to embrace public sentiment so that the policies may truly meet the needs of the people.

There are several changes in bureau directors and/or their posts. Stephen Lam keeps the newly expanded post of Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs. Michael Suen will take up the role of Secretary for Education. Frederick Ma moves to the altered post of Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development.

Tsang Tak-sing will be Secretary for Home Affairs. Matthew Cheung will take up the new Secretary for Labour & Welfare post. Prof KC Chan is to be Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury.

Carrie Lam will be Secretary for Development, a new post. Edward Yau will take the role of Secretary for the Environment. Eva Cheng will be the Secretary for Transport & Housing.

Several bureau chiefs will maintain their existing  posts, including Secretary for Security, Ambrose Lee, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow and Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue.

Changes in disciplined services heads

Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing keeps his post. Timothy Tong has accepted the role of Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner. Lai Tung-kwok will be the Director of Immigration, and Richard Yuen will be the Commissioner of Customs & Excise.

Benjamin Tang remains the Director of Audit.

Norman Chan has been appointed Director of the Chief Executive's Office, while Prof Lau Siu-kai maintains his role as Head of the Central Policy Unit.

New ideas, initiatives

The Chief Executive said the new team signals the start of a new term, new ideas and new initiatives. "We know that we are likely to encounter unpredictable events and trials on the road ahead. But, I am fully confident that our new team will do its utmost to lead the public service, and will work together wholeheartedly with the Legislative Council and the community to create a better future for everyone who lives here," he said.

"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 of the members of my new team have displayed in their work a strong sense of pragmatism that I promote," Mr Tsang said.

"While their backgrounds are diverse, the three Secretaries and 12 Directors of Bureaux 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."

Heartfelt thanks to outgoing officials

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

"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," Mr Tsang said.