Tsang says such a move could see him in court for dereliction of duty
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen yesterday said he could face charges of dereliction of duty in court if he takes leave to work towards his re-election.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Mr Tsang also defended his decision to visit his campaign office in a government car on Monday, citing security concerns.
Mr Tsang, who plans to formally declare his candidacy next Thursday, was criticised by politicians and sections of the media yesterday for using government resources to run for his second term. They said he should take leave and use his own car for election-related trips.
At the constitutional affairs panel meeting, lawmakers from the Democratic Party and its allies fired more salvos, accusing Mr Tsang of taking unfair advantages.
Frustrated by the attacks, Mr Tsang said: 'It is understandable because I am the incumbent and I have all the resources. Anyone who stands against me will be seen as the victim ... But I am critically conscious of the legal restrictions. These are things I cannot win.'
Citing an unnamed 'very reliable legal opinion', he said taking leave to campaign could 'amount to dereliction of duty' under the Basic Law.
