LIBERAL Party chief Allen Lee Peng-fei came under attack from party colleague Lau Wong-fat and the United Democrats yesterday over an open letter in which he accused them of striking secret deals.
On Wednesday, Mr Lee questioned the loyalty of Heung Yee Kuk head Mr Lau, saying he had voted with the party in last week's marathon debate on Governor Chris Patten's political reform only after intensive lobbying.
Mr Lee said Mr Patten had asked Mr Lau to support his reforms in exchange for the withdrawal of an amendment by the United Democrats seeking to scrap the kuk's functional constituency seat.
Mr Lee also accused the United Democrats of telling Hui Yin-fat, the social welfare representative, they would withdraw their amendment to remove the Hong Kong Council of Social Service from his constituency if Mr Hui voted for Mr Patten's reforms.
In Beijing yesterday, Mr Lau reacted strongly to the letter, saying Mr Lee had been ''oversensitive'' in challenging his commitment to the party.
He was shocked and surprised to learn of Mr Lee's views, and said he had decided how to vote well before the bill was put to Legco for second and third readings.
He said the United Democrats' amendment had never bothered him because he had been sure it would not secure adequate support. It was never an incentive in any so-called ''political deal'', he said.
