The decision to force former immigration chief Laurence Leung Ming-yin into retirement was backed by legislators yesterday, but they deplored the Government's high-handed approach in handling the case.
After an eight-month inquiry, a Legislative Council select committee was unable to decide whether the sacking was politically motivated, but said it was unable to rule out the possibility.
The committee said its lack of lawful authority and resources prevented a thorough investigation into newspaper claims that Mr Leung had passed confidential information to China.
At an earlier hearing it was revealed that Mr Leung met senior mainland official Chen Zuo'er on the day he was told to resign.
The Government also revealed that Mr Leung had an undisclosed mainland business venture with Preparatory Committee member Tsui Tsin-tong.
After releasing the committee's 800-page report yesterday, chairman Ip Kwok-him said members regretted official attempts to mislead them and the public by claiming Mr Leung left for personal reasons.
During his testimony, Mr Leung said he was told to apply for early retirement or be dismissed.
