RTHK boss faces criticism for not fighting harder over plan to build new headquarters

The head of RTHK came under fire yesterday for not standing up for the public broadcaster's plan for a new headquarters against opposition by Beijing-loyalist politicians.

The criticism of Roy Tang Yun-kwong came as he expressed disappointment at the government's decision to withdraw the HK$5.3 billion funding request after it became clear that the Beijing loyalists in the Legislative Council, whose votes were needed, would oppose it.

Tang, the station's director of broadcasting, also brushed off suggestions the administration was trying to "deplete" RTHK - often accused of being too critical of the government - by delaying its, expansion for which the new building was needed.

"I do not believe the government wants the project to fall away," he said.

"The secretary [for commerce and economic development Gregory So Kam-leung] actually led a very forceful lobbying exercise, all of which I personally attended."

The RTHK Programme Staff Union will meet station management today to demand an explanation from Tang, a veteran civil servant who was appointed to head RTHK in 2011.

Union spokeswoman Bao Choy Yuk-ling said Tang had not done all he could to stand up for the headquarters plan.