Hong Kong (dpa) – Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive Donald Tsang, issued a public apology Thursday for the public concern he had caused by accepting hospitality from tycoons. “The series of incidents have caused concerns from the public, media, lawmakers and civil servants, and wavered public confidence in the institution of Hong Kong,” he told lawmakers at a question and answer session. “For that I offer my earnest apologies to the public,” he said. “Regardless of whether you still trust me, please do not lose faith in the Hong Kong system.” Tsang insisted he had fully separated his public duties from public dealings and there had been no conflict of interest when he had accepted overseas travel from tycoon friends. The 67-year-old, who is in the last few months of his term, has admitted having taken four private jet and luxury yacht trips funded by tycoons, including holidays in Macau, Japan and Thailand. But he has denied accusations of bribery and conflict of interest. He has also acknowledged a lease on a penthouse home in Shenzhen, southern China, owned by a mainland telecoms tycoon at what critics described as bargain rent. Tsang planned to live there after he steps down as chief executive in June following the election later this month. On Thursday he said he had given up the flat. An independent panel headed by former chief justice Andrew Li has been set up to review rules of public sector conduct following the controversy revealed by the local media. Tsang promised to give a “honest and comprehensive” account to the panel. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/ufTk9 Tags: China, Hong Kong, Hospitality, Lawmaker, Tycoon Section: East Asia, Latest News
