Firm decision on Elected Presidency

"I've been repeatedly asked. I was a bit concerned that people might think that I wrote the books for the purpose of preparing the ground for my campaign. So when (Lianhe) Zaobao interviewed me... I said, 'No, please, let's give a clear definitive answer that I do not wish to run for the presidency.'

Again, I raised the concern because it's a very important institutional position and it requires great discipline. You have powers, but you also sometimes have to act under advice, and you cannot lightly speculate on your views about things. There has to be a certain discipline of thought and action.

Then I looked at myself: Do I fit this role? All of us in 2011 remember when I lost the elections, I was not happy, even when I considered it. I asked myself: 'Am I happy?... No, I'm not happy with the prospect. I feel some pressure'.

You want to say no without explanation, people will say, having presumptions, you know, being arrogant. If I give too long an explanation, people will say, 'Well, maybe you're not really serious about what you say'.

So you asked me that question and I give you the same clear reply that I have no intention running for the election. Because friends ask me to reconsider and I tell them, 'Nah, I've thought over this deeply, and this is a firm position.'"