Tang tries to tough out 'luxury cellar' furore
Source: Xinhua |
February 18, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE man widely seen as Hong Kong's next leader is mired in controversy over a luxurious but illegal basement extension.
Henry Tang said he was sorry, but resisted growing pressure yesterday to drop out of the race after reporters unearthed sketches that revealed the unauthorized 200-square-meter underground addition included plush features - such as a wine cellar and home theater.
Local newspapers dubbed it the "underground palace" and splashed blueprints and photos on their front pages of the sleek and modern house, which is owned by Tang's wife and set in a walled compound in an upscale Kowloon neighborhood.
Hong Kong reporters mobbed the street outside on Thursday, with several renting cranes to get a better view of a courtyard swimming pool that has windows on its floor looking into the basement.
Tang blamed the oversight on his wife
Lisa Kuo, who tried to hold back tears on Thursday as she stood next to him while apologizing in front of reporters.
Kuo said she oversaw the planning and renovation because her husband was busy with work. The couple said the renovation was carried out while their marriage was at a "low ebb."
People who build without planning permission face a fine of up to HK$400,000 (US$51,500) or up to two years in prison. Building officers have inspected the extension but haven't said yet if any charges will be filed.
Tang is a former senior government official and scion of a wealthy family from Shanghai who is a noted wine connoisseur.
He was widely tipped to take over from Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who steps down in July.
The next chief executive will be chosen next month by a 1,200-member committee.
Polls have shown that Tang's main rival, Leung Chun-ying, is more popular with the public.
Henry Tang said he was sorry, but resisted growing pressure yesterday to drop out of the race after reporters unearthed sketches that revealed the unauthorized 200-square-meter underground addition included plush features - such as a wine cellar and home theater.
Local newspapers dubbed it the "underground palace" and splashed blueprints and photos on their front pages of the sleek and modern house, which is owned by Tang's wife and set in a walled compound in an upscale Kowloon neighborhood.
Hong Kong reporters mobbed the street outside on Thursday, with several renting cranes to get a better view of a courtyard swimming pool that has windows on its floor looking into the basement.
Tang blamed the oversight on his wife
Lisa Kuo, who tried to hold back tears on Thursday as she stood next to him while apologizing in front of reporters.
Kuo said she oversaw the planning and renovation because her husband was busy with work. The couple said the renovation was carried out while their marriage was at a "low ebb."
People who build without planning permission face a fine of up to HK$400,000 (US$51,500) or up to two years in prison. Building officers have inspected the extension but haven't said yet if any charges will be filed.
Tang is a former senior government official and scion of a wealthy family from Shanghai who is a noted wine connoisseur.
He was widely tipped to take over from Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who steps down in July.
The next chief executive will be chosen next month by a 1,200-member committee.
Polls have shown that Tang's main rival, Leung Chun-ying, is more popular with the public.
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