SPIEGEL ONLINE: Your chances of winning are pretty much zero. Why are you even bothering to run?

Leong: I am not in to get the job. I am in to strive to set up a system so that the people of Hong Kong can decide on who gets the job. We do not expect to win a rigged election this time, but we have paved the way for winning a free election next time.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: What was Beijing's reaction to your candidacy?

Leong: Beijing ought to acknowledge the positive effect my candidacy has had on the election culture in Hong Kong. Being pragmatic, rational and professional leaders, the leadership in Beijing ought to have realized the importance of a fair and open debate that contributes to the success of the "One Country, Two Systems" constitutional arrangement promised Hong Kong by the Basic Law.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Critics accuse you of supporting a political farce with your bid. What do you think about this?

Leong: It is time for the people of Hong Kong to take the future into our own hands, and to build a better society for our next generation. Compared to Donald Tsang, a bureaucrat for 40 years, I have promised new values and new thinking in governance. Most importantly, I have shared with the people my vision for Hong Kong. I want to improve our environment and urban planning; I favor a fair and competitive market economy instead of privileges enjoyed by cronies; I am sincere about fighting against poverty; and I am determined to make the 2007 chief executive election the last small circle election in Hong Kong history. If we do not try, then we will never know how much we are capable of achieving.