Extension scandal harms Hong Kong candidate
Henry Tang’s campaign to become territory’s chief executive comes under pressure over construction of illegal basement.
A controversy surrounding efforts to cover up an illegal home extension have overshadowed the campaign of Henry Tang, who is bidding to become Hong Kong’s chief executive.
In an overcrowded territory, where most people reside in tiny, cramped apartments, the wine cellar and movie theatre originally claimed as a storage area has hit a raw nerve with some voters.
Tang’s attempts to cover up the addition, housed in his basement, has opened the way for his closest rival, Cy Leung, another pro-Beijing candidate, but unlike Tang not favoured by the Chinese leadership, to make head way in the upcoming election.
Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reports from Hong Kong.