Emily Lau slams $2m bill for Tung office
Taxpayers will have to foot an annual bill of $2 million for Tung Chee-hwa's new office, but the former chief executive will soon be asked to accept formal restrictions on his future activities.
Legco finance committee chief Emily Lau Wai-hing said the office was too expensive and that the government should first prove Mr Tung has genuine official business.
'Two million is a substantial amount. I just don't understand why it would be so expensive.'
She said officials should come to the finance committee to justify the spending, even though the amount had not exceeded the threshold above which Legco approval should be sought.
'Many people think Mr Tung hasn't got much to do anyway. What's the point of spending millions of dollars on an office like that?' she asked.
The Executive Council earlier approved a package of recommendations by an independent committee on do's and don'ts for former chief executives. The do's included giving them a common office on government premises.
To avoid conflicts of interest, former leaders will have to seek advice from a panel for the first three years after leaving office. As the rules came after Mr Tung had stepped down, he will be asked to sign an undertaking of compliance.
The Constitutional Affairs Bureau said yesterday that preparations for Mr Tung's office were under way. A spokeswoman said the $2 million included salaries for three or four secretaries.
The bureau will not disclose the office location.
Tung's allowances
Office on government premises
Office staff
Bodyguards and security system for residence
Car and driver
Medical and dental care
Formal title of Former Chief Executive of the HKSAR
Use of SAR emblem on business cards, stationery and websites
VIP facilities at Hong Kong International Airport
