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In response to a column in Apple Daily today (November 5) on the agreement signed between the Chief Executive and UGL, the Chief Executive's Office issued the following statement:
The columnist wrote that although the Chief Executive knew well that the relevant provisions in the agreement may give rise to a conflict of interest, he did not cancel the provisions but rather he added the handwritten note "provided that such assistance does not create any conflict of interest". The columnist said it was highly possible that the note was added after Mr Leung was elected as Chief Executive as he wanted to avoid conflict of interest and, at the same time, pocket the 4 million pounds.
The above accusation on the handwritten note being added after Mr Leung was elected as Chief Executive is grossly inaccurate.
Mr Leung declared that he added the handwritten note with his signature when he was signing the agreement on December 2, 2011, which was more than three months before he was elected as Chief Executive.
Mr Leung expresses deep regret over the unfounded allegations made by the columnist.
Ends/Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:02
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