Leung 'explained UGL deal' to a few pro-establishment lawmakers behind closed doors

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying invited at least four pro-establishment lawmakers for a meeting yesterday to explain his £4 million (HK$50 million) deal with Australian engineering firm UGL in late 2011, as he faced a possible Legislative Council investigation.

He clarified details of the deal and the lawmakers were satisfied with his explanations, according to one of those present.

The closed-door meeting at the Chief Executive's Office, however, drew criticism from a pan-democrat, who demanded that Leung explain himself to all 70 lawmakers at the legislature.

But Christopher Cheung Wah-fung, a Legco representative of the financial services sector who attended the session, said: "[Leung] said the information might not be easily understood even if it was released to the public, or not many people might be interested. So, he explained to us just for reference."

Also invited were Ip Kwok-him of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Wong Kwok-kin of the Federation of Trade Unions and Ma Fung-kwok, who represents sports, performing arts, culture and publication.

Last month, Australian media reported Leung sealed the £4 million deal with Sydney-based UGL as it was in the midst of buying the insolvent London-listed property services firm DTZ, where he was then a director.