Many political and business celebrities in Hong Kong expressed their support for Donald Tsang's decision to run for the chief executive election and his platform.

Former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa said he was confident about Tsang's capabilities.

"He has good leadership skills and rich working experience. He is the best candidate for the coming CE election. I have full confidence in him," he said.

Representatives of engineers handed in 10 election committee member nominations for Tsang in his election office yesterday.

One of the representatives, Yim Kin-ping, said he supported the re-election of Tsang as he was pragmatic and experienced.

Secretary for Education and Manpower Arthur Li also said he supported Tsang as he was familiar with the operation of both Hong Kong and the government.

Li also said Tsang had good personal connection and was able to maintain close ties with the central government.

Former Executive Council convenor Chung Sze-yuen said CE candidate should be well experienced and able to closely communicate with the central government.

Tsang Hin-chi, National People's Congress Standing Committee member, said Donald Tsang was suitable for CE post.

He said Donald Tsang fully fulfilled his pledges over the past two years, and had made significant achievements in improving public livelihood and the economy.

He also said Donald Tsang was familiar with the needs of the grassroots sector and the central government.

Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong chairman Ma Lik said Tsang was responsive to public demands and pledged to improve civil services, the economy and policy formulation process.

Chinese University of Hong Kong political science senior instructor Ivan Choi said Tsang's proposal on democratization and Hong Kong political development was more concrete than the opposition camp's suggestion, which only laid down the long-term vision.

The university's political scientist Timothy Wong said Tsang's election manifesto was pragmatic.

Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association chairman Poon Wai-ming said he was glad that Tsang would rely on civil servants, and hoped the government would continue listening to the views of the sector.

Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants' Association president Wong Ho expressed hope that Tsang would raise the pay for civil servants.