Conversation code takes poll talk off menu for chief's guests

The chief executive election may be the talk of the town but it was not so for guests attending an exclusive event with incumbent Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.

They were expressly told to remain tight-lipped and not mention the election at a spring reception hosted by Mr Tsang and his wife, Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei, at Government House on Friday.

'This reception is not an election activity,' the invitation card read. 'Attending guests are advised not to engage in, or raise, any election-related affairs.'

Although it is customary for a host to inform guests of a dress code, it may be going too far to dictate what is off-limits for gossip in the corridors of power. The 'conversation code' stemmed from fears visitors could inadvertently turn the traditional Lunar New Year celebration into a costly electioneering gathering that Mr Tsang would have had to account for in his campaign expenses.

Election expenses are defined as any spending incurred by a candidate or his agents for the purpose of promoting a campaign or prejudicing that of a rival.

Like it or not, Mr Tsang risks being accused of abusing public resources should any guest raise the election topic to the extent that it is seen as promoting his candidature.