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Yvonne Liu

Two members of a watchdog group who protested at The Link Real Estate Investment Trust's annual general meeting were carried away from the venue yesterday morning.
The pair, who are members of Link Watch, had attended the meeting in Tsim Sha Tsui along with League of Social Democrats chairman "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, as shareholders or representatives authorised by shareholders.
"We were questioning the director's fee paid to George Hongchoy Kwok-lung, [which we believe] is too high. And we were complaining that the company didn't consult shareholders on investing in mainland property," Link Watch chairwoman Sophia So said.
"Then the security guards dragged us out of the room. They even carried me away and wanted to take me into the lift.
"We have protested at the annual general meeting for nine years. This is the first time they have used violence to force us to leave."
About 30 people protested outside the meeting venue yesterday, accusing The Link Reit of raising rents by introducing chain stores and forcing out smaller retailers.
Lo Bing-chung, director of corporate communications and external relations, said: "[The Link Watch members] were yelling and throwing papers about during the meeting. They were disturbing the meeting. We warned them to leave.
"I think any company would do the same if someone caused trouble at their meetings. We have to protect the interests of our majority shareholders."
In April, The Link Reit sold Hing Tin Commercial Centre in Lam Tin, Kwai Hing Shopping Centre in Kwai Chung, Wah Kwai Shopping Centre in Pok Fu Lam and a retail centre at Tung Hei Court in Shau Kei Wan for a total of HK$1.24 billion.
The trust expects to gain about HK$331.7 million from the sale of the shopping malls.
The demonstrators yesterday said the government should introduce a property appreciation tax because The Link Reit had generated a large profit from selling the small shopping malls and the sales would result in retail rental growth.
"We are doing business. A listed company has to seek investment opportunities all the time," Lo said. "Also, increases in the price of food in restaurants are not necessarily related to rent. It may just be because the price of food has risen."


'Rowdy' protesters thrown out of Link Reit meetings

Demonstrators send a clear message at The Mira Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui during The Link Reit's AGM yesterday. Photo: David Wong

News

Hong Kong

Two members of a watchdog group who protested at The Link Real Estate Investment Trust's annual general meeting were carried away from the venue.
