The Central Government has appointed Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam as the new Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, replacing Henry Tang who has resigned. Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang Friday said Lam is competent for the job.

Announcing the appointments Friday at a media briefing, Tsang said Lam, who has extensive experience in public service, is a team player, and a man of resolve and perseverance.

"He is blessed with exceptional competence in planning and supervision. He can often accomplish difficult missions under pressure," said the Chief Executive.

Responding to the appointment, Lam said he was honored and felt the great responsibility of taking up the job, adding he will strive to serve Hong Kong.

Within the remaining nine months of the current term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, there will be many important tasks to deal with, which include assisting the Chief Executive to implement the new policy address, and to ensure a smooth transition of government next year, Lam added.

Henry Tang resigned as Chief Secretary on Sept. 28, in order to ponder whether or not to run for next year's Chief Executive election. In accordance with Hong Kong's Basic Law provision, the Central Government Friday approved Tang's resignation and appointed Lam as the new Chief Secretary according to Tsang's nomination and suggestion.

Chief Executive's Office Director Raymond Tam will be the new Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs, replaced by Under Secretary for Food & Health Professor Gabriel Leung.

Tsang expressed his thankfulness towards Central Government's adoption of his nomination and suggestion, and its swift response to the alternation of the city's government officials.

Lam, Tam and Leung are persons of great integrity, dependable, capable and passionate in serving Hong Kong, and have persevered in adversity, Tsang said, adding his team will strive till the very end of their term.