Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang's popularity is on the rise following his re-election bid, a poll conducted by the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Program revealed.

The poll, conducted between February 1 and 6 among 1,020 respondents, found that Tsang's popularity rating stood at 64.3 points, up from 60.9 points from the previous poll conducted between January 22 and 26.

About 65 percent of the respondents supported Tsang in his re-election as next term CE, up from 61 percent from the last poll, with 51 percent saying that Tsang was performing well.

Also yesterday, New Territories Heung Yee Kuk expressed support for Tsang.

The Kuk chairman, Lau Wong-fat said after a meeting with Tsang that he expected the 100 Kuk's Election Committee members would nominate Tsang.

Meanwhile, the Kuk urged Tsang to better coordinate the handling of rural area affairs if he was re-elected.

Lau said the widening development gap between urban and rural areas should be tackled.

Expressing concern for the development of Lantau Island and border areas, Kuk chairman said the areas' development would improve the business environment and public livelihood especially of the remote areas.

Lau alleged that rural affairs were handled by different government bureaus, which lacked efficiency.

The Kuk vice-chairman, Cheung Hok-ming said co-ordination among the government departments should be further improved.

"The existing co-ordination among different bureaus are not very effective, which makes it difficult to develop the Lantau Island and border areas. It is also difficult for the Kuk to communicate with so many departments," he said.

"The handling of such affairs should be focused to improve efficiency."

He said Tsang was sincere in listening to village representatives' views.

He also said the Kuk had always been supportive of the government, and was committed to creating a harmonious society.

He said the problems concerning the New Territories, such as border area development and the approval of building small flats, had been tackled with the help of Tsang.

Tsang had also met the EC members from engineering, insurance sectors and the Alliance yesterday.

Engineering sector member Raymond Ho said it would not be difficult for the sector and the Alliance to get 100 nominations for Tsang.

Representatives of New Century Forum also met Tsang yesterday, urging him to enhance public participation in policy formulation and the cooperation with the mainland, create job opportunities, improve the environment and economy if he was re-elected.

Tsang will compete with Civic Party legislator Alan Leong for Hong Kong's top job.