The Government announced today (August 2) that the Political Assistant to Secretary for Development, Mr Henry Ho, had tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive.
A Government spokesman said that the Government attaches great importance to the issue of conflict of interest of public officers and strictly enforces the Code for Officials Under the Political Appointment System. The Code states that Politically Appointed Officials shall report to the Chief Executive any private interests that might influence, or appear to influence, their judgement in the performance of their duties.
A newspaper enquired yesterday (August 1) about the shareholding held by Mr Ho in Wah Yan Hong Chemical Factory Limited, and the transfer of his shareholding before he took up the post as the Political Assistant to Secretary for Development. The company still holds land at Kwu Tung in the New Territories.
Upon receipt of the enquiry, the Government immediately followed up with Mr Ho on his situation yesterday and today.
The land in question is located in the North East New Territories New Development Areas. Mr Ho has never declared to the Chief Executive or the Secretary for Development any interests related to the New Development Areas. Mr Ho tendered his resignation, which took immediate effect, to the Chief Executive this afternoon.
Ends/Friday, August 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:52
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