Chairman says interests of party have not been overridden by decision to stand by tainted candidate

DAB chairman Tsang Yok-sing yesterday dismissed suggestions the party was placing the interests of embattled ex-legislator Gary Cheng Kai-nam before those of the party by not demanding he give up his Legco seat if elected.

Mr Tsang, a long-time friend of Mr Cheng, said: 'I believe Cheng Kai-nam will face immense pressure if he were to be [elected] a legislator . . . My understanding is that it may not necessarily be the most beneficial choice if Cheng Kai-nam were to continue to be a legislator.

'That's why we are not considering the question of Mr Cheng's interest but the question of accountability to the voters and the public at large.'

Justifying the decision by the party's central committee, he added: 'The verdict should be returned by voters. If voters find that a DAB candidate is not suitable to be a legislator, voters will naturally give their verdict.'

However, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong's highest decision-making body decided to accept, with immediate effect, Mr Cheng's offer to resign as party vice-chairman.

Appearing at a press conference alongside Mr Tsang yesterday, Mr Cheng said he would 'regret for the rest of my life' if his blunders were to cost his election partner Choy So-yuk her seat.

It was reported last week that Mr Cheng had not disclosed to the Legislative Council one of his consultancy firms and had leaked a confidential government document to a business contact.