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Vivienne Chow

Television Broadcasts executive Stephen Chan Chi-wan  resumed his duties as general manager yesterday, eight months after being suspended following his arrest by the ICAC. 
'I want to thank God,' were Chan's first words to journalists who waited at TVB's headquarters in Tseung Kwan O after a Hong Kong Exchange announcement yesterday morning.
His Christian comment contrasted with a Zen Buddhist remark Chan made in March after his arrest. Then he said: 'What is false cannot be true. What is true cannot be false.' 
Three bribery charges against Chan were dropped early this month but he and others still face a District Court case on other charges.
Chan thanked the company for having him back. He said he would dedicate himself to work and strive to produce high-quality programmes. 'I'm most concerned about how my colleagues [and I] can do a better job,' he said.
Chan, who is not allowed to be involved in any areas at TVB connected with the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation, did not make any comments or take any questions about the case.
The TVB board said that the allegations against Chan concerned artist management and his show Be My Guest.  
'His other duties and work at the company are not the subject of investigation by the ICAC,' it said. 
'After careful consideration of the nature and substance of the allegations against Mr Chan, the interests of the company and its shareholders, and the principles of equity and good corporate governance, the board has decided to resume the duties and work of Mr Chan as general manager - broadcasting.' 
It said Chan would not be handling any work involving management of artists and casting. 
Televisioners Association  vice-president Peter Lam Yuk-wah  said that as TVB was trying to find a new owner, having a fully functional management team would be a major factor in sealing any deals. 
'When you sell the company, you have to sell the management, too,' Lam said, adding that Chan's position could not be left vacant for too long, as it could affect the company's operation. 
'Obviously he's an important member of the management team, and the long vacancy also says that it's difficult to find someone to fill his shoes.'
TVB's business development head Wilson Chan Wing-shuen,  charged in the same case, remains suspended from his job. 
Arrested together with the two Chans on March 11 were Stephen Chan's former assistant Edthancy Tseng Pei-kun,  TVB performer Leung Chi-cheong,  whose stage name is Ning Jin,  and former TVB variety show executive producer Wilson Chin Kwok-wai.  
They were alleged to have helped an advertising company secure service contracts related to various entertainment shows produced by the broadcaster. 
On November 2, prosecutors dropped three bribery charges against Stephen Chan, Wilson Chan and Tseng.
 But they still face a total of five charges that were transferred to the District Court for pleas to be heard next Tuesday.  
They are on bail of HK$100,000 each.



TVB board reinstates manager in ICAC probe