Development secretary Paul Chan denies conflict of interest over farmland
High-ranking public posts require a more stringent declaration system, government observers say, after a media exposé forced the development chief to admit his family's interest in an agricultural plot that falls within redevelopment plans for a new town.
High-ranking public posts require a more stringent declaration system, government observers say, after a media exposé forced the development chief to admit his family's interest in an agricultural plot that falls within redevelopment plans for a new town.
The land in question, in Kwu Tung North, is zoned for public housing under the plans. If resumed by the government, it is estimated to be worth more than HK$17 million.
Yesterday, the farmland landed Secretary for Development Chan Mo-po in a fresh credibility crisis, facing renewed calls from pan-democratic lawmakers to resign, a year after he was linked to the rental of subdivided flats.
Chan admitted he personally acquired 20,000 sq ft of agricultural land in Kwu Tung North 19 years ago and remained a director of the acquiring company, Statement Industries, until April 2011.
His wife Frieda Hui Po-ming was one of three shareholders of Statement Industries, until she sold her 37.5 per cent stake in October to family members.
Chan's belated disclosure, coming after the Apple Daily revelation on the same day, highlighted the deficiency of the declaration system, former secretary for the civil service Joseph Wong Wing-ping warned.