Hongkongers find the financial secretary John Tsang quite the likeable guy, and not because of his rad stache or his selfie photography skillz (although we admit he’s pretty talented – see below).
An HKU survey shows that Tsang’s approval rating received a boost following his budget speech, the most popular one in five years, whereas those of CY Leung have been sliding since the start of the year.
Known for his approachable manner and charm, Tsang stands in stark contrast to the sullen and uninvolved Leung, who was often the subject of ridicule during the Umbrella Movement, and remains so with comments like these.
However, perhaps Tsang is simply enjoying a case of glory by comparison, as he was by no means faultless in his speech.
The Harvard graduate was criticised for epically failing at maths and miscalculating the budget surplus eight years in a row.
He’s also been scorned for not doing enough with the city’s cash reserves, which stand at more than HKD50 billion.
However his plans for paying it back by investing more on creative sectors, compensating businesses affected by the pro-democracy protests, and… yes… even his idea for the food trucks, proved to be popular among Hongkongers.
Just don’t ask him about his views on housing affordability.
Here is John Tsang cozying it up with Hong Kong journos.
Photos: John Tsang via Facebook
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