Asia-Pacific News

Scandal-hit Hong Kong leader says he has Beijing's full support

Mar 6, 2012, 12:03 GMT

Hong Kong - Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang Tuesday insisted he had the 'wholehearted support' of China's leaders after admitting taking trips of luxury yachts and private planes with tycoons.

Critics have called for his early resignation as chief executive after he admitted a series of holidays with wealthy Hong Kong and mainland Chinese businessmen.

Tsang last week gave up a penthouse owned by a businessman in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen bordering Hong Kong that he intended to rent after his retirement.

Tsang said in Beijing Tuesday that he had met senior officials in the Chinese capital and had been given their 'wholehearted support.'

Beijing-appointed Tsang, Hong Kong's leader since 2005, is due to step down when his term ends July 1.

One of the favourites to succeed him, former financial secretary Henry Tang, has been embroiled in a scandal of his own after he admitted cheating on his wife and building an illegal underground wine cellar and cinema at his Hong Kong home.

The chief executive is picked by a 1,200-member committee that is heavily influenced by Beijing's leaders.

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