Now, ICAC is asked to investigate Barry Cheung
Request to look into rumour that he borrowed HK$70m from developer while heading URA
The anti-corruption chief has been asked to investigate allegations that former executive councillor Barry Cheung Chun-yuen borrowed HK$70 million from a developer while chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority.
Cheung quit the post last week as part of a blanket resignation covering all his public posts after being invited by police to assist their investigation into his failed Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange (HKMEx). The Securities and Futures Commission is also looking into the collapse.
The Democratic Party has written to Simon Peh Yun-lu, head of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, drawing his attention to a remark made by former executive councillor Allen Lee Peng-fei on the loan, said to have been made to prop up HKMEx.
Cheung denies there was any such loan.
"As an Exco member and URA chairman, Cheung must know many government secrets," Democratic Party lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan said yesterday. "One would wonder how he, running around for loans for the Mercantile Exchange, could perform his public duties free from intimidation and interference."
Cheung said: "I've never had any business or financial deals with those involved in my public duties, including developers. This is an irresponsible allegation based on no evidence."