Hong Kong lawmaker escapes censure for letting former chief executive interfere in inquiry over business dealings of the former top official
- Holden Chow had the right to seek the former chief executive’s input over investigation into HK$50 million UGL saga, committee finds
- But opposition figures sitting on panel argue he brought the legislature into disrepute
A Legislative Council investigation has decided against censuring a pro-establishment lawmaker who allowed ex-Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying to secretly interfere in an investigation into the past business dealings of the former top official.
The inquiry was triggered by the alleged misconduct of Holden Chow Ho-ding three years ago, who helped Leung amend a document relating to the scope of an investigation into a possible conflict of interest over the then-leader’s failure to declare the HK$50 million (US$6.45 million) he received from Australian engineering firm UGL.
The Legco committee concluded Chow, a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, should have the right to consult the views of Leung and others to formulate his own views about the scope of the investigation into the former leader.
“While Mr Chow’s behaviour might have impacted the public perception of members, his behaviours are not sufficiently grave as to amount to contempt of the functions and powers of Legco, nor to bring shame on Legco,” said Abraham Razack, chairman of the seven-member committee. “His behaviour is not of such gravity as to undermine the public confidence in Legco and its members as a whole.”
The committee, dominated by pro-government legislators, ruled Chow’s actions did not affect his promise to uphold the Basic Law, the city mini-constitution, or to bear allegiance to serve Hong Kong with honesty and integrity.
