Sunday 3 June 2012

Donald Tsang apologises for accepting favours, 'tarnishing Hong Kong civil service'

By Roland Lim, Channel NewsAsia, 1 Jun 2012

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang has apologised once again for his handling of his travel policies and for accepting favours from tycoon friends.

This was in response to two critical reports out on Thursday, calling for tigher rules on the Chief Executive, including being subject to bribery laws and that future overseas trips aren't overly expensive.

Donald Tsang, Hong Kong Chief Executive, said: "Because of my personal mishandling of matters, in shaking public confidence in Hong Kong's (civil service) to be incorrupt and honest in performing one's duties, and in causing disappointment towards civil servants, I once again wholeheartedly apologise to everyone."

It was a solemn and remorseful leader that faced the media on Friday.

He kept his apology short and refused to take any questions.



But questions were being asked about the integrity of Hong Kong's highest office.

A report by an independent committee reviewing potential conflicts of interest, on Thursday, recommended that bribery laws be changed so that the Chief Executive could be criminally liable for soliciting and accepting advantages.

He's currently immune to such laws but Mr Tsang accepting rides on private jets and yachts from tycoons would've constituted an advantage.

Hong Kong's Audit Commission also found that the Chief Executive had overspent on official trips in the past year - three times the average over the past four years.

It called on the Hong Kong leader to be more "cost conscious".

The report was commissioned after media reports that the taxpayers had to fork out US$6,900 for a night's stay at the presidential suite in a Brazillian hotel, far exceeding guidelines for other local officials.

Shortly after Mr Tsang spoke, the opposition Democratic Party called on him to resign immediately, adding that the public have almost lost complete trust in him.

But Mr Tsang is unlikely to step down as his term as chief executive ends at the end of June anyway.

Instead, Mr Tsang said he would work closely with incoming Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to implement the recommedations in phases.

Mr Tsang still faces an on-going investigation by the anti-graft body into his conduct after complaints were filed by political parties.

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