Hong Kong’s chief secretary says John Tsang probe ‘purely procedural’
Row intensifies over John Tsang’s failure to declare his work on an RTHK television programme
Hong Kong’s No 2 official denied allegations that the government is targeting former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah by demanding that he provide information regarding his failure to declare his participation in a TV programme.
Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the government was only seeking factual information from Tsang to ensure the work he did as a former office holderwas appropriate – a move he described as “purely procedural”.
Tsang insisted such a declaration was unnecessary as he was neither paid nor employed by any organisations. Critics accused the government of double standards as former chief executive Leung Chun-ying previously failed to declare his appointment as a director at two companies until a media exposé highlighted the issue.
“People should not have an incorrect impression that [the government] is giving favourable treatment to Mr Leung while oppressing Mr Tsang,” said Cheung on Sunday.