New scandal as Tang submits nominations

20-02-2012

Wendy Wong reports

Henry Tang submits nominations at electoral office. Photo: RTHK.

Scandal-hit Chief Executive candidate, Henry Tang, has submitted his nominations for next month's election amid allegations of another extramarital affair. Mr Tang - who received the support of 379 of the 1,200 election committee members - admitted to deficencies in the way he has handled negative reports about his love life and illegal structures.

He was speaking after a Chinese-language newspaper reported that he'd had an affair with the daughter of a prominent rural leader, Daniel Lam.

Mr Tang is the second candidate to formally submit nomination papers. The first was pan-democrat Albert Ho. Mr Tang spoke briefly to reporters after visiting the electoral office, without giving an English statement or taking questions.

He conceded that his political platform was not the best, but believed his nine years of experience in the government, coupled with growing up and being educated in Hong Kong, meant he could better serve the community.

He said that he hadn't done well enough in handling negative reports about his extramarital affairs and illegal structures. Mr Tang said he had hoped to protect his family but had instead put them in a difficult spot. And he expected there to be more negative comments about him.