Henry Tang urges Paul Chan to 'take responsibility' in conflict-of-interest row

Former chief executive candidate Henry Tang Ying-yen yesterday urged development chief Paul Chan Mo-po to come clean and take responsibility for his actions amid the conflict-of-interest row surrounding the minister.

Tang, himself the subject of intense criticism last year over the construction of an illegal basement at his property in Kowloon Tong, said: "I will send him these words: be open and frank, co-operate with the investigation and take responsibility."

Tang's involvement in the illegal structure scandal led to a dramatic reversal of fortune for him in last year's race to be chief executive, a position he had been widely tipped to win. He met the media yesterday, after a court hearing into his wife's role in the episode was adjourned.

Like Chan, Tang was accused of not being forthcoming with information on the scandal. He originally said the 2,400 sq ft basement under his home was a storeroom for groceries, but it was reported to contain entertainment facilities.

Tang's wife, Lisa Kuo Yu-chin, is now being prosecuted for building the basement without Buildings Department approval.

Chan said after a Legislative Council meeting yesterday that he would be more vigilant in future when handling potential conflicts of interest. On Sunday, thousands of people marched to call for his resignation.