Preparing for former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa's new office without debate in the Legislative Council is a slap in the face for the poor and the public ('Emily Lau slams $2m bill for Tung office', July 29).
Bypassing debate in Legco is not only an insult to the intelligence of legislators, it sets a bad precedent in the eyes of the public - that the Executive Council does not care for Legco, if it is set to do something controversial. Exco, which approved the spending, follows 'two systems in one country', which we are quite used to.
At a time when the government is cutting old people's welfare allowances and hiking emergency fees in hospitals, Exco wants the public to pay Mr Tung's medical and dental bills. He is a tycoon who runs his own shipping company, owns cars and a few villas. He got a hefty bonus upon leaving office. Yet he still expects free office space, staff, bodyguards, and security systems for his home and car. Is it fair to feed a fat man who does not need food, while the poor person next to him is starving?
Mr Tung should reject this offer, a gesture that would enhance his image. The Hong Kong people would have easily overlooked and permitted his use of the special administrative region emblem on stationery, or his use of VIP facilities at the airport, though these benefit his business.
Emily Lau Wai-hing's objections in Legco to these allowances are fully justified. The other legislators should join her to stop this betrayal by Exco, and the wasteful expenditure.
A. L. NANIK, Tsim Sha Tsui
