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Still too early to talk about popularity of potential Hong Kong chief executives, CY Leung says

He came in last in a University of Hong Kong survey covering five people tipped for the top job in 2017; Financial Secretary John Tsang ranked first

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Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is unperturbed about his popularity ratings. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong’s leader Leung Chun-ying has dismissed the reliability of a survey on the popularity ratings of potential chief executive candidates, stating that none of those included have announced their intentions to run yet.
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Speaking to the press ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, the chief executive also noted that the poll did not include any candidates from the pan-democratic camp.

The survey in question was conducted by the University of Hong Kong’s Public Opinions Programme on behalf of Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao, which showed Leung placing last in terms of popularity ratings among five highly tipped candidates.

Only 18 per cent of 1,014 people polled supported Leung, while 62 per cent disapproved of him being re-elected.

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By contrast, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, who said he would consider running if it helps Hong Kong, topped the list in terms of his popularity.

Close to 60 per cent approved of him becoming the next chief executive with only around 15 per cent opposing.

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