Hong Kong's head of broadcasting quits in karaoke girl scandal

Jul 9, 2007, 13:21 GMT

Hong Kong - The head of Hong Kong's public broadcaster resigned Monday after being pictured hiding behind a woman as he left a karaoke bar.

Chu Pui-hung, director of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), was spotted by photographers with his arm around a woman and a wig in his other hand as he left the bar with friends last Thursday.

He then fled and locked himself in a restaurant toilet while the woman, later identified as a former dancer from mainland China called Coco, smiled happily for the cameras.

Chu, who has headed the former British colony's public broadcaster since 1999, at first offered a public apology for his 'inappropriate behaviour', claiming he was caught by surprise at the sight of the photographers.

However, as the scandal rumbled on and more revelations about Coco emerged, Chu said Monday he would step down 'as soon as possible'.

'I understand staff morale has suffered. It should be the good work of my colleagues, not my private life, that should be given the spotlight. I believe the drift must end now,' he said.

'It was my original intention to retire in 10 months time, but it is now time to go. I have indicated my intention to retire from the civil service as soon as possible.'

Chu was reportedly out drinking with friends last Thursday when he visited the Must Kara karaoke lounge where Coco reportedly danced on the table and was given 3,000 Hong Kong dollars (383 US dollars) by one of the party.

As he left the club, a group of reporters and photographers leaving a pop concert by local star Kenny B ran into the director and his drinking party.

RTHK has been embroiled in political controversy in recent years over government proposals to transform its role as a public broadcaster, a role it has conducted for 79 years.

Senior government officials are understood to have been concerned at the broadcaster's sometimes too liberal stance, and to have wanted it to become more of an official information tool.