Yung Kee brother 'humiliated' by family

The man in a family feud over the famed Yung Kee roast goose restaurant was humiliated by his nephew, who called him a 'dog' at a staff meeting, a court heard yesterday.

Kinsen Kam Kwan-sing, 64 , testified in the Court of First Instance on re-examination that Carrel Kam, the son of his brother Kam Kwan-lai, 63, insulted him in front of more than 10 employees in August last year.

''I am talking to a dog. I am sick. I become very excited when I am sick',' said Kinsen Kam, quoting Carrel's alleged words in the meeting.

'I was very humiliated, but I tolerated it as I did not want to be looked down on by my employees,' Kinsen Kam said. This was one example of the 'escalating humiliation' Kinsen Kam said he had faced in the years after Kam Kwan-lai began pushing him out of management in 2009.

Kinsen Kam also said his brother had told him to seek approval from the board of directors to work with Cathay Pacific on a media promotion on behalf of the restaurant. Yet Kinsen Kam was in charge of media relations for more than a year.

They held equal shares in the restaurant, which earned a Michelin star in 2010 but lost it last year. A row over the shares started years after the restaurant's founder, their father Kam Shui-fai, died in 2004.

Kinsen Kam, who now holds 45 per cent, said he had been in charge of promoting staff until his brother challenged him. He said Kam Kwan-lai, who holds 55 per cent, would suddenly appear and accuse him of failing to follow 'formal procedures'.

Their mother, Mak Siu-chun, is expected to testify today.

Tam Man-ming, 85 and a former accountant of Yung Kee for 30 years, dismissed Kam Kwan-lai's accusations that Kinsen Kam was a bully and intimidated people.

'He [Kinsen] is a good man and a very responsible one,' Tam said. 'Kwan-lai always presents himself as the son of the boss - a very difficult person.'

Kinsen Kam is seeking to wind up Yung Kee Holdings - estimated to be valued at HK$1.5 billion - to buy out his brother's share or to sell his holdings to his brother.

The hearing continues before Mr Justice Jonathan Harris.