Jacky Cheung Denies Inheriting Eric Tsang’s President Post
Jacky Cheung (張學友) does not believe he is qualified to take over as President of the Hong Kong Performing Artists Guild.
After Eric Tsang (曾志偉) announced his resignation as President last week due to the recent free-to-air TV license controversy, the Guild is scrambling to look for his replacement. The organization is allegedly considering Jacky for the post in addition to Anthony Wong (黃秋生), the blunt and opinionated film king who has been vocal about every aspect of Hong Kong politics.
Addressing the rumors on October 29, Jacky feels that Eric performed well as President, and believes it is highly unlikely that he will be chosen as Eric’s successor. “The President must have some leadership skills… I have actually been appointed Vice President before, and stepped down because I don’t feel I am qualified for the job. I don’t think [the Guild] will choose me!” Jacky instead feels that Anthony and Andy Lau (劉德華) are stronger contenders. Jacky also expressed his support for multiple free-to-air stations though he seemed hesitant to take a strong stand regarding some of the more controversial issues.
To continue their protest against the government’s approach to HKTV’s license rejection, some Hong Kong citizens called for a “Turn Off Television Day” on October 30, urging locals to keep their TVs dark during the prime-time programming slot, from seven to eleven at night. When asked if he will join in the effort, Jacky continues to maintain a politically-neutral stance, saying that he rarely watches television and will spend the time eating dinner instead.
Sources: Ming Pao; Oriental Daily
This article is written by Katrine for JayneStars.com.
Don’t watch tv but you can live stream online!
Andy or Jacky are both highly qualified IMO, I think Andy may be too busy though. Jacky may not feel he is qualified, but I think he is overqualified lol.
Anthony Wong is an insane choice, he has a massive attitude problem and would totally mix his politics/opinions into his work, can’t be relied upon to separate the 2. He is also massively immature.
They don’t need another Eric Tsang in the position, they need someone positive, strong, and who has good leadership qualities.
Panzer,
I think Michael Miu would be a good choice, but he may not want the responsibility. He is a sociable person but not as high profile as Eric Tsang in being at every party.
@Panzer: LOL…I agree that Jacky is ‘overqualified’ for the job, but it’s pretty much a given that he’s not going to take the position, especially at this point in his life — there’s ALOT of responsibility, stress, and pressure that comes with the position and for someone who is content with enjoying life with his family without having to worry about all the ‘politics’ of the entertainment world, there’s no reason for Jacky to take that ‘trouble’ upon himself.
I also agree with you that Anthony Wong isn’t the best person to take that position (I can tell you that I was surprised to hear he was among those at the top of the list to replace Eric), especially with his ‘colorful’ opinions and straightforward personality…plus he doesn’t have the connections in the industry or the ‘high status’ that is needed in order to be effective in the position (especially when we think about who has held the position prior to Eric). There have only been 5 Presidents of HKPAG in the 20 years that the organization was established (the 5 were Michael Hui, Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Anita Mui, Eric Tsang) and all 5 were well-qualified for the job (both from a ‘status in the entertainment industry’ perspective as well as ‘connections’, since part of the job entails being able to gather all of HK’s artists together on short notice for a common cause — i.e. charity).
To me, the only person other than Jacky who would ‘qualify’ based on the above 2 criteria is Andy Lau (unless Alan or Jackie Chan want to take on the responsibility again, which I doubt).
I agree on Anthony Wong, on both counts you mentioned:
– attitude
– immaturity
He is also not tactful, important for a leader – that’s something to be said about getting your points across and getting things done BUT WITHOUT being arrogant and accusatory about it. And Anthony fails in this respect, and just ends up being offensive most of the time.
@Jayne, wow never thought about Michael. That’s another great candidate.
I agree he gets along with everyone great and they all love him. Would he be willing to be a yes man for TVB like Eric was though? I kind of feel like he wanted to support HKTV, but wasn’t able to due to his connection to TVB.
If he didn’t behave like Eric and become TVB’s mascot, would his roles get reduced and his career stall?
I wish he would go back to movies, but good movies are hard to find these days and there are an over-abundance of super qualified actors.
@ llwy 12:
I recall agreeing with you many times on what a great family man Jacky Cheung is, and to try prioritize his family on top, despite how busy his schedule is. (your back and forth trips from Shenzhen to be back in time to pick up his girls from school is still impressioned in my mind).
While I would say Jackie Cheung is a great candidate – a lot of people like him, and he’s a person who listens and observes, is diplomatically considerate when he talks.
But I doubt he would take it up. Too much responsbility, which will take time away from his family.
@nomad: Yup, agreed! In an interview a few years ago, Jacky actually said that his full-time job now is being daddy and nanny — singing and acting are only part-time jobs that he does on the side. Haha!
Plus Jacky is the type who prefers to be low-key and with that type of position, it’s almost impossible not to put yourself out there constantly — it doesn’t suit with his personality at all.
Besides, Jacky doesn’t have time to be President of any organizations — between his ‘job’ at home and flying back and forth between London and HK (his eldest daughter attends boarding school in London) as well as his ‘side jobs’ (currently filming a movie and of course working on his next album), he’s busy enough as it is.