Tong says gifts were 'in spirit of courtesy'
Former ICAC chief defends his integrity and presents of food to organisation that gave him fruit, and saw serving mao-tai as sign of respect
An HK$815 gift of beef brisket and fish balls came up for mention at a legislative hearing yesterday into the alleged lavish spending of former anti-corruption chief Timothy Tong Hin-ming.
Tong said he had acted in "courtesy of reciprocity" when he approved the purchase as a gift in return for lychees that guests had bought for the graft-busters.
The argument came as a last-ditch defence against criticism of Tong's spending on entertainment, gifts and official visits as Independent Commission Against Corruption commissioner.
Tong reiterated his claim to be "a man of integrity", saying his deeds had "nothing to do with corruption". He also refuted allegations he was the first ICAC chief to serve mao-tai - a Chinese hard liquor - at official events, though he conceded having made it a practice during his five-year tenure from 2007 to last year.
"I had never tried to conceal, lie, harbour personal motives or carry out underhanded dealings," he said in his concluding remarks. "I have made administrative mistakes, but these have nothing to do with corruption."
Tong was testifying at the last hearing of the Legislative Council's Public Accounts Committee, which will deliver a report by the end of next month.
Committee chairman Abraham Razack would not be drawn on whether Tong lied at the hearing, but noted there were "inconsistencies in each of his answers".
