11.27.2011

Henry Tang, former chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced yesterday he would run for the chief executive post.

"I decided to run for the post of chief executive because I feel I am the right person for it," said Tang. "It is a serious decision."

Tang resigned as chief secretary for administration on September 28 to decide whether or not to run. According to the city's Chief Executive Election Ordinance, candidates for chief executive must resign from government posts if they are to be selected for the job.

Tang, 59, joined the government in 2002 and served Hong Kong in three different positions -- secretary for commerce, industry and technology; financial secretary and chief secretary for administration.

The election will be held on March 25. Incumbent Chief Executive Donald Tsang is barred from seeking a third term.

According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, the term for chief executive is five years. An individual can not serve as chief executive for more than two consecutive terms.