Pressure mounts on favourite to quit Hong Kong leadership race

Feb 17, 2012, 10:00 GMT

Hong Kong - The man believed to be Beijing's choice for the next chief executive of Hong Kong was under growing pressure to quit the race Friday over an illegal extension at his family home.

Henry Tang was criticized by political opponents and some former allies after apologizing for allowing the basement - which is said to contain a wine cellar, home cinema, gym, Japanese bath and wine-tasting room - to be built without planning permission.

One of his rival candidates and a former government colleague called on him to step down while at least one alternative candidate considered entering the chief executive election, set for March 25.

At a press conference Thursday evening, Tang, who has been considered the front runner, apologized to the public and appeared to blame his wife, saying the property was hers and the basement was her idea.

He failed to handle the matter swiftly because his marriage had been at a 'low ebb,' he said.

He admitted giving misleading replies when asked earlier about illegal structures at his homes by a reporter but said he did so because he wanted to avoid implicating his wife.

Tang, who was Hong Kong's deputy leader before stepping down to run for the top position, now faces possible prosecution with his wife for the illegal basement.

Hong Kong's next chief executive would be picked by a 1,200-member election committee made up largely of businessmen and government allies who vote according to the Chinese government's instructions.

But Beijing must consider whether to continue its tacit support for Tang, whose popularity with the public, who do not participate in the vote for their leader, was expected to show a drop in upcoming polls.

His main rival, Leung Chun-ying, already ahead of Tang in earlier public polls, does not have the support of Beijing or Hong Kong's business community.

The only other serious contender, Albert Ho, was predicted to struggle to garner more than a handful of votes.

Regina Ip, a former Hong Kong minister and now head of the New People's Party, described Tang's explanation as 'disgraceful' and said he should step down. She said she might now run herself.

Allan Lee, former chairman of the pro-business Liberal Party which has been one of Tang's biggest supporters, criticized Tang for 'trying to cover up' the issue.