Former Hong Kong leader charged with two cases of misconduct

HONG KONG, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Hong Kong's former chief executive has been charged with two cases of misconduct, one for accepting luxury yacht trips and leasing a penthouse apartment from a wealthy Chinese businessman.

Donald Tsang, who served in Hong Kong's top office between 2005 and 2012, had left office in the wake of bribery allegations, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

The scandal drew thousands of protesters and culminated in an emotional apology from Tsang in 2012. Tsang, also known as "Mr. Bow Tie" for his choice of attire, was blamed for the city's widening income disparity and stepped down with an approval rating of 39 percent, after enjoying a 72 percent rating when he first assumed the position.

Tsang had accepted a bargain lease agreement from a Chinese businessman and other offers during his term, but was released on a $13,000 bail on Monday, the BBC reported.

The businessman, Wong Chor-bau, was a major shareholder of a broadcaster in Hong Kong. His company, Digital Broadcasting Corp. of Hong Kong, had multiple license applications that were discussed and approved by Tsang's cabinet.

According to the second charge, Tsang failed to disclose that Hong Kong architect Barrie Ho was hired for interior design work at the Shenzhen apartment where Tsang had leased a three-story penthouse. Tsang had recommended Ho for a city award at the time.

Tsang had apologized in 2012 after revelations of his rides on luxury yachts and private jets invited public scorn.

"We learn from our mistakes...We learn to become more sensitive" to public expectations, Tsang had said in March 2012.