China's Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying attends a press conference in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 9, 2016. Leung Chun-ying announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election in 2017 due to family reasons. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
HONG KONG, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Leung Chun-ying announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election in 2017 due to family reasons.
Addressing the media, Leung said that he must take care of his family in the future, and prevent them from facing unbearable pressures resulting from electioneering if he runs for the election.
Leung said he will focus on his work as the chief executive in the coming six months, including delivering his last policy address.
The chief executive stressed that the central authorities have been very supportive of his work all these years.
"I shall support whoever wins the election and whoever is capable of being appointed by the Central People's Government," he added.
Responding to Leung's decision, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong said in a statement that it fully understands and respects his decision. It also expressed deep regret to Leung's decision.
The liaison office said as Hong Kong's chief executive, Leung has firmly implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and the Basic Law, leading the SAR government's governing team in solving Hong Kong's long-term problems with courage.
Chief Executive Leung has made arduous efforts in forging social consensus, improving livelihood, promoting democracy and strengthening cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, which has scored remarkable achievements.
Particularly, the liaison office highly appreciated Leung's performance in dealing with Hong Kong's institutional reforms, the illegal "Occupy Central" event, cracking down on "Hong Kong Independence" and other serious political and judicial issues.
Mr. Leung has shown his courage to take responsibility and resolutely safeguard the country's sovereignty and security, the authority of the Basic Law, Hong Kong's social stability as well as Hong Kong people's well-beings, the statement said.
Chief Executive Leung has shown his firm position of "love the country and love Hong Kong" and demonstrated his ability to handle complicated situations. The central authorities have always fully acknowledged and highly praised his work, the statement added.
The liaison office sincerely hoped that Leung can lead the SAR government in implementing policies smoothly in the rest of his term as as to lay a solid foundation for the next SAR government and make new contributions to the country.
It also said that Leung made this important decision due to family reasons. One should respect Leung's decision, which is the best way to express one's regard for him.
Mr. Leung was elected Hong Kong's chief executive in March 2012 and took office on July 1 the same year. Prior to his current job, Leung was one of the owners of the DTZ, a commercial real estate services company.
