After less than two weeks in office, Leung Chun-ying has lost a minister and seen his administration engulfed in several governance crises.
Political parties and academics said yesterday's resignation of secretary for development Mak Chai-kwong, over the possible abuse of a civil service rent-subsidy scheme, had weakened the administration's credibility and ability to rule.
The chief executive still faces questions over illegal structures found at both his own house on The Peak and the home of health chief Dr Ko Wing-man.
Now a media report has raised questions about tax evasion involving Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung. Human rights groups have criticised Lam Woon-kwong's decision to serve as both Executive Council convenor and chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, citing the potential for conflicts of interest.
Chinese University political scientist Dr Ma Ngok said Mak's case had dealt a big blow to the government's image and ability to deliver policy. 'Mak quit because of a possible criminal offence, which is unprecedented since the handover. People will ask if this government has made sensible judgments in picking ministers - especially after [Chief Secretary] Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor expressed full confidence in him,' said Ma.
Four days before Mak resigned, Lam said 'I have no doubts about his integrity.'