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Jimmy Cheung

Members of the Islands District Council were offered  food hampers by a Discovery Bay land developer  this year, sparking concerns about possible conflicts of interest.
It is understood that Hong Kong Resort, the developer of a residential-resort complex on Lantau Island, sent hampers to many of the 22 councillors soon after the new four-year council term began in January.
Each hamper contained a bottle of red wine, a can of abalone, Chinese mushrooms and other food and snacks.
The developer's relationship with councillors is seen as  sensitive because council business touches on Discovery Bay and development by the company in other parts of Lantau Island from time to time.
At the council meeting yesterday, the hamper gifts came to light during discussion about bus services to Discovery Bay and the development of Coastal Skyline, a residential site.
Civic Party councillor Amy Yung Wing-sheung,  who represents Discovery Bay residents, said she was aware the company had given hampers to councillors. She said she had not received one.
She said members should not have accepted  the hampers as it would arouse  suspicions.
'What is the intention of offering food baskets to councillors?' she asked. She said people would question whether council members had accepted an advantage  that would cause them to speak in favour of the developer.
Another Civic Party councillor, Ophelia Lam Yau-han, said she had received a hamper but had returned it  to avoid misunderstandings.
A Home Affairs Department spokesman said  any gift worth HK$500 or more could be donated as an award or prize at events organised by the council, and councillors  had been given guidelines on the acceptance of advantages, adding that  they should abide by the guidelines.
Hong Kong Resort yesterday said it would need more time to look into inquiries from the South China Morning Post before responding.



Developer's food-hamper gifts  to councillors raise eyebrows