Incumbent Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang pledged progress in Hong Kong's economic and constitutional development and people's livelihood should he be allowed to use his 40 years of administrative experience in a second term.

Speaking at the second CE election forum yesterday, organized by eight electronic media this time, Tsang urged the local community to be courageous to create a better Hong Kong.

He said a good SAR leader should have the mindset to accept the reality that some situations could not be changed.

However, if changes are possible, the leader should have the courage to take action, he said.

Tsang said the leader should also be able to distinguish what could be changed and what could not.

"With my 40 years of administrative experience, I am able to distinguish between what should be implemented from what should not be done. I have the courage and determination to achieve my target," he said.

Tsang expressed hope that Hong Kong citizens would support him to be re-elected, which would motivate him to perform the job well.

He pledged that he would seek benefit for the poor and underprivileged class.

The forum was attended by about 200 public and representatives of the electronic media organizations. Both the media representatives and the public were allowed to ask CE candidates questions related to public livelihood, political and economic development.

On people's livelihood, Tsang said he would increase job opportunities to help the poor.

Responding to a question on tackling the poverty gap, Tsang said he would allocate HK$29 billion a year to launch public infrastructure.

He believed that would help the poor, and eliminate inequalities in the society.

Education was one of the most common topics in the forum.

Tsang said Hong Kong's education system had kept improving since the introduction of reforms over the past years, adding that three local universities had topped the world list.

He said education expenditure had increased from about HK$30 billion to HK$50 billion a year, representing 25 percent of total government expenses.

Tsang pledged the government would increase spending in education.

Responding to a question on small class teaching, Tsang said HK$9.1 billion would be required if the teaching practice was fully implemented in all schools.

He said the teaching practice should be implemented gradually.

On political matter, Tsang said the legislation of the national security bill, known as Article 23, was not the urgent task for the government.

"We have to handle other matters, including the improvement of public livelihood, economic development and constitutional development," he said.

Tsang pledged that the issues of constitutional development would be tackled during his next term of office, if he is elected.

But consensus should be reached in Hong Kong.

"Universal suffrage is the goal of both Hong Kong people and the central government. It is also stipulated under the Basic Law," he said.

"The central government will listen to Hong Kong people and understand our demand. We should be confident with that," he said.

He said he was impressed by the public enthusiasm for the election.

Speaking about the public enthusiasm, Tsang said: "Hong Kong people are mature. They asked in-depth questions."

Tsang told reporters after the forum that his decision to seek re-election was serious.

The other contestant in the CE election, Civic Party's Alan Leong said he would take into account citizens' view should he be elected.

Leong also pledged he would increase investment in education.