Hong Kong pan-democrat sees Legco by-election slim hopes worsen over illegal structures
Analyst says Paul Zimmerman faced uphill battle in March 11 poll even before news surfaced that, like the justice secretary, his home had extra amenities
The controversy surrounding illegal structures at homes belonging to Hong Kong public figures has not only ensnared the justice minister but also a Legislative Council hopeful, whose already slim by-election hopes have been damaged further as a result.
On Tuesday, the Lands Department said it found that by-election candidate Paul Zimmerman’s house in Sai Kung included a 24 sq m platform with lighting facilities. It – and other illegal structures on the rooftop – were built before Zimmerman bought the property in 2006.
The department demanded Zimmerman remove the lighting within 14 days.
Running to represent Legco’s architectural, surveying, planning and landscape sector, Zimmerman admitted he had decided in 2008 not to remove the unauthorised structures on the rooftop, including a canopy, stone bench, boiler room, cabinet and glass balustrade. He apologised after the illegal structures were reported in local media.
