Back me in spirit not with cash, urges Tung
Grassroots supporters who have sent small cash donations for Tung Chee-hwa's re-election campaign have been told they should give their backing in 'spirit', not money.
The cash was said to be several $20 donations. It has not been returned, but a spokesman for the Tung Chee-hwa election office said the donors should spare their efforts 'because the economy isn't so good'.
The appeal coincided with the revelation that the Chief Executive had set the donation target for his campaign at $9.5 million - the maximum amount allowed.
The next chief executive will be elected by the 800-member Election Committee on March 24 if there is more than one candidate after nominations close in February.
Last night, a spokesman for Mr Tung's election office would not say how much he had raised so far, but that it was confident it would meet the donation target. Donations that were not spent would go to charity, he said.
The spokesman said that while Mr Tung very much appreciated monetary support from individuals, particularly from the grassroots, he found it unnecessary for them to express their support in such a way.
'Mr Tung is very pleased to accept grassroots people's support in spirit but not in cash.'
He declined to reveal details of Mr Tung's donors, but pledged the office would act in accordance with Electoral Commission guidelines. He said the office would not rely on only a small number of major donors.
Donations must be voluntary and unsolicited, he said. Those over $1,000 would get a receipt.
