Tsang reiterated that he believed it unnecessary for him to notify a government advisory committee about his activities because they were not to be counted as employment.

“The guidelines are very clear, there is no need for me to declare such work ... I don’t think there has been the slightest disrespect [to the system],” Tsang said on the sidelines of promoting his show on Saturday.

John Tsang to teach at University of Hong Kong

“As someone who has worked in the government for over 30 years, I know the importance of a well-established system and this should not be damaged,” he said.

According to a guidance note, politically appointed officials are not allowed to “commence any employment, become a director or a partner in any business or profession or start any business or profession on his or her own account or with others” that would probably constitute a conflict of interest with their previous role in the first year after they step down.

The guidance does not clearly state whether anyone taking unpaid work has to file a request with the advisory committee.

Tsang added that he was waiting for a response from Jessie Ting Yip Yin-mei, permanent secretary of Lam’s office, “for further instruction” over the issue.

A spokesman from the Chief Executive’s Office said they did not have any further comment on the matter.

Tsang’s appearance on Saturday was the first formal promotion for the series, which will air on November 18.

Tsang introduced the series to the public in a mobile studio in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, which housed a makeshift living room with a television set.

The 10 episodes will tell the stories of people from different walks of life trying to repair broken things, memories and relationships.