Mak Chai-kwong 'sorry for dragging Tsang King-man down'
Convicted former development chief regrets involving a 'good friend' who could lose his pension over the housing benefits fraud
Disgraced former development minister Mak Chai-kwong has publicly expressed his regret for involving his "good friend" in the fraudulent housing benefits case.
Looking relieved as he left the District Court building with solicitor David Hui Tin-fook after receiving his suspended jail sentence, Mak ignored some of the media's questions.
After thanking his family and friends, Mak, 62, said: "I am very sorry for involving Mr Tsang in this particular case. Mr Tsang was my good friend, and he continues to be my good friend. I think we will be friends for life."
But Tsang, when asked whether he and Mak remained friends, only looked blankly at the press. There was silence for about 10 seconds before journalists asked him another question.
Cheng Huan SC, for Tsang, 57, said in yesterday's mitigation submissions that it was a "particularly sad" incident for his client. "Perhaps it was unlikely that such investigations would have taken place if not - with respect - for [Mak's] political aspirations," he said, adding that Tsang, who has been suspended from duty since October 17 last year and is due to retire next year, might lose up to HK$4 million in pension money.
Former civil service chief Joseph Wong Wing-ping said the Civil Service Bureau would hold a disciplinary hearing on completion of the legal proceedings, including any appeals. He said Tsang's pension would be revoked if the bureau imposed the maximum penalty.
