Donald Tsang's yacht trip triggers probe calls - Channel NewsAsia

Donald Tsang's yacht trip triggers probe calls - Channel NewsAsia
HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy activists on Friday demanded an investigation into Chief Executive Donald Tsang's jaunt on a luxury yacht belonging to a business tycoon in the gambling hub of Macau.

Tsang, whose term is due to expire in June, faced accusations of bribery and conflict of interest after media published pictures of him and his wife spending a weekend on the "Golden Toad" yacht with some wealthy friends.

Tsang has denied any wrongdoing and says he paid the "market price" for the trip to Macau, without specifying an amount. He also said he was not given any luxurious treatment on the boat as had been reported in the media.

"We have lodged a report against Donald Tsang on suspicion of taking bribery," League of Social Democrats vice chairman Avery Ng told broadcaster Cable TV outside the offices of the anti-corruption body.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it had received the complaint, but would not say whether Tsang was under investigation.

"We won't comment on individual cases or incidents. All reports made to the ICAC will be examined and looked into in accordance to the laws," a spokeswoman told AFP.

Tsang revealed he had taken four such private trips by yacht or helicopter belonging to tycoon friends, including the latest one to Macau, during his seven-year tenure as chief executive, but said he paid for all the costs.

Two other pro-democracy parties, the Democratic Party and the Civic Party have written to Tsang's office seeking an explanation and details of his trips.

Under Hong Kong's tough anti-bribery laws, the chief executive is barred from any acts of "solicitation and acceptance of advantage and possession of unexplained property" and must declare all gifts valued over HK$400 (US$52).

The controversy comes amid rising disenchantment among many Hong Kongers over an electoral system they see as tilted in favour of a small group of China-backed business tycoons.

Henry Tang, seen as Beijing's preferred candidate to become Hong Kong's next chief executive, has come under heavy pressure to quit the race after the discovery of an illegal underground entertainment den at his home.

But public opinion counts for little under Hong Kong's "One Country Two Systems" system with mainland China, whereby the former British colony enjoys broad freedoms but does not get to choose its own leader by popular vote.

- AFP/ck