Statement by CE's Office on setting-up of select committee by LegCo
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On the agreement signed between Mr Leung and UGL, the LegCo of the previous term carried out various thorough discussions in which Mr Leung and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responded in detail. The two motions to appoint a select committee under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance to inquire into the matter were also voted down at the LegCo meetings on November 6 and November 21, 2014.
The resignation agreement concluded between Mr Leung and UGL was simply a non-compete arrangement to ensure that Mr Leung, after resigning as the Asia Pacific Director of DTZ, would not move to a competitor, set up business in competition with DTZ or poach any people from DTZ, and hence to protect the interests of UGL in the acquisition process. Such an agreement is a standard business arrangement.
In addition, UGL in its press statement on October 9, 2014 stated clearly that DTZ Holdings plc and the Royal Bank of Scotland were fully aware of the agreement and therefore the agreement was not a "secret contract" and involved no "secret payment". The statement also confirmed that Mr Leung has never offered any service to UGL after the conclusion of the agreement.
The Chief Executive has, upon assumption of office, declared his assets to the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal in accordance with the Basic Law. He has also strictly observed the system of declaration of interests of the Executive Council.
Mr Leung has repeatedly explained the above-mentioned points to the LegCo and the public. Therefore, the current-term LegCo need not and should not set up a select committee to inquire into the matter.
Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:55
Issued at HKT 18:55
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