Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has indicated his wish to have Rafael Hui Si-yan stay on as chief secretary for two years beyond June 2007, after the chief executive's first choice for the job got a lukewarm response in Beijing, sources close to Mr Tsang and the central government say.
Mr Tsang had gone for Mr Hui because he was certain to be acceptable to Beijing, said a source close to the chief executive.
The chief executive had originally suggested John Tsang Chun-wah, director of the Chief Executive's Office and a former career civil servant, for the top position.
'Rafael [Hui] was not picked by Donald [Tsang] to be the chief secretary. He was the central government's candidate all along,' said a source close to Beijing.
Mr Hui, 58, has repeatedly said he would not serve beyond June 2007. But this source said Beijing wanted Mr Hui to change his mind so as to avoid the big changes a new chief secretary might bring about.
Earlier, a source close to Mr Hui said he would definitely not serve another five-year term once his two years helping Mr Tsang sort out sticky policy matters are finished.
Speculation about jockeying for the posts of chief secretary and financial secretary and the 11 other ministerial posts is intensifying, but Mr Tsang and his aides are reluctant to admit they are making any preparations for a post-July 2007 government for fear they will overshadow the chief executive election.
