In an unprecedented move, embattled chief executive candidate Henry Tang Ying-yen yesterday pointed to his rival by name, characterised him as unreliable and blamed him for a controversial housing policy that some believe caused home prices to plummet in the 1990s.
The blistering attack - that conjured up images of despondent homeowners committing suicide - comes at a time when Tang is lagging far behind Leung Chun-ying in the polls, and observers said it could further widen the rift in the pro-establishment camp.
'Leung Chun-ying - Hongkongers must be wary [of him],' Tang said during a Commercial Radio interview. 'I've been in politics for 20 years and in the government for nine years, and I've seen and known many people. Many are amazing with words, yet incompetent when it comes to action.
'For instance, the 85,000 [flats-a-year policy],' he continued. 'Everyone's memory should still be vivid. Negative equity, property worth only HK$1, people lighting charcoal fires [to commit suicide] - I get frightened just thinking about them.'
The former chief secretary was referring to a scheme in 1997 to create 85,000 new flats a year, a plan that dealt a severe blow to the Hong Kong property market. It was a policy decision by former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa but it is believed to be the brainchild of Leung, former Executive Council convenor, though this has never been officially confirmed.
Tang warned Hongkongers not to 'again risk their own wealth and the next generation's future'.