Chief to 'listen humbly' to impeachment attempt

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has promised to 'listen humbly' as he faces the first move to impeach a chief executive since the establishment of the special administrative region.

Twenty pan-democratic lawmakers endorsed a motion to impeach Tsang yesterday after he survived a non-binding vote of no confidence in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

The impeachment motion accuses him of conflict of interest in accepting hospitality from tycoon friends on private jet and yacht trips, as well his plan to rent a luxury penthouse in Shenzhen from businessman Bill Wong Cho-bau.

Tsang said yesterday: 'I will listen humbly to all the opinions raised by the public, and remember firmly to remind myself to do my best in my remaining work. I will correct [any mistakes] and strive to improve.' He said he would respect the rights of legislators.

The no-confidence motion failed under the split-voting system after being defeated 11-4 in the functional constituencies despite passing 14-7 in the geographical constituencies.

The impeachment motion, expected to be debated on May 16 subject to the approval of council president Tsang Yok-sing, would also require passage separately by both constituencies.

Labour Party chairman Lee Cheuk-yan, who initiated the motion, said its aim was to express a clear demand for a clean government.