The timing of Cheung Kong (Holdings') appointment of executive councillor Rosanna Wong Yick-ming as a non-executive director is puzzling, say analysts.
Cheung Kong made the announcement on Wednesday, the first day of the local Lunar New Year holiday when most businesses are closed.
'It is not usual for companies to make announcements on Lunar New Year if it is something they need to whisper,' an analyst said.
Cheung Kong, involved in businesses ranging from property development and electricity to supermarkets, said Ms Wong would contribute to its global business.
Ms Wong resigned as head of the Housing Authority last June, following a series of piling scandals.
The appointment came four months after Cheung Kong was reported to have hired former legislative council member Gary Cheng Kai-nam for consultancy services.
Mr Cheng was alleged to have leaked confidential government documents to business contacts without making disclosures to the legislature, which led to his resignation as a Legco member.
