Anson Chan looks forward to 'ordinary' life


Chan's surprise resignation has triggered speculation of a rift in Hong Kong's leadership

By Kirsty Alfredson
CNN.com Writer

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- Amid speculation over her resignation, Anson Chan, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary, says she's hoping for a better new year.

Surrounded by local media and crowded in by well wishers, the territory's second highest leader joked with a flower seller that when she retires she will be able to come to the flower markets by herself.

Chan, who recently announced she was quitting her position ahead of her official retirement date, told CNN.com she was looking forward to a new phase in her life.

'New phase'


Hong Kong's flower markets are a focal point of New Year festivities

"I always look forward to a New Year, there are always new opportunities and as I'm about to start a new phase in my life. I'm eagerly looking forward to whatever comes my way," she said.

Chan last week turned down an invitation by Hong Kong legislators to explain her surprise resignation, but the official reason given is that she wants to spend more time with her family.

The patron of the 2001 Chinese New Year parade completed the traditional New Year's Eve visit to the crowded flower market in Victoria Park buying a bunch of red gladioli, her favorite bloom.

She told the flower stall proprietor that after she stepped down and became an ordinary person she would be able to shop more easily.

As Chief Secretary for Administration, 61-year-old Chan headed a 190,000 strong civil service in the Hong Kong administration and still had more than a year to go before the end of her contract.

Many observers believe Chan quit because of differences with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, an allegation she's denied, although on announcing her resignation she agreed "unnamed people" had been provoking disputes in the hope of souring relations.

Chan was appointed Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong Government in November 1993 and is the first Chinese person and first woman to hold the position.