Former Donald Tsang aides ‘learned of penthouse in media reports’
Ex-chief executive described as ‘dedicated’ and one who rarely concealed his feelings, but who also never mentioned property in question to subordinates
But Tsang, the highest-ranking official in the city to stand trial, was a “strong-minded” and “dedicated” leader, who was “straightforward” and rarely concealed his feelings, his former staff members testified.
Prosecution witness and former secretary for commerce and economic development Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan, who used to sit in daily meetings with Tsang when she served between 2008 and 2011, provided a glimpse into his working style under cross-examination by Tsang’s counsel Clare Montgomery QC.
Tsang, 72, allegedly concealed his ties with businessman Bill Wong Cho-bau between 2010 and 2012 over the three-storey penthouse he planned to move into with his wife after stepping down as chief executive.
The property, located in East Pacific Garden in Futian, was owned by a firm connected to Wong, with a HK$3 million refurbishment paid for by Wong’s companies, the court heard.
