New business alliance's members have most paid directorships

A new pro-business alliance has emerged as the Legislative Council group with the most paid company directorships.

The seven members of the alliance are directors of 63 companies, compared with 42 for the New People's Party - all held by deputy chairman Michael Tien Puk-sun - and 41 for the Liberal Party.

A political commentator said having so many directorships might reinforce the perception that it primarily served business interests. He said its members must be careful this was not an obstacle to its pledge "to bridge the gap between the business sector and the rest of Hong Kong".

The lawmakers' register of interests was published on Legco's website after Wednesday's deadline for legislators to submit their shareholdings, paid directorships, property and election donations.

Tien, chairman of the G2000 garment retailer, is also a director of numerous property investment companies.

His directorship tally is also the biggest of any individual lawmaker. Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee did not register any.

The new alliance has yet to announce an official English name, but its Chinese name translates as the Hong Kong economic and livelihood alliance.