Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa sought to avoid the growing controversy surrounding his financial secretary yesterday as he faced questions in Beijing on the new car purchased by Antony Leung Kam-chung.
'I have talked about this issue before and I do not intend to make any further comment,' he said in answer to questions from the media after he had met the nation's new leaders.
Mr Tung looked slightly irritated when asked a second question on the controversy, saying: 'There is no need for me to add anything.'
He then moved swiftly on to other matters.
Mr Tung did disclose that the controversy had not been discussed in his meetings yesterday with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. But he shed no light on whether he is reconsidering his decision to allow Mr Leung to remain in office.
The financial secretary offered to resign over his failure to declare that he had bought a luxury car ahead of announcing vehicle tax increases in the Budget.
In contrast to Mr Tung, Mr Hu was prepared to comment on the issue. He said: 'I believe Mr Tung will handle this appropriately.'
