A row has broken out over revelations that an executive councillor and seven legislators from various political parties took their families on a six-day luxury trip to France -- with all expenses paid for by Cathay Pacific Airways.
Among those who went on the Paris visit -- which would have cost each of them tens of thousands of dollars -- were staunch Beijing loyalists Executive Councillor Cheng Yiu-tong from the Federation of Trade Unions; DAB legislators Ip Kwok-him and Elizabeth Quat; and independent Ma Fung-Kwok.
They were joined by pan-democrat lawmakers Albert Ho and James To from the Democratic Party; and Kenneth Leung from the Professional Commons. All of them, with some accompanied by family members, returned to Hong Kong from Paris on Wednesday morning.
Some critics said the trip has given the public an impression that there's a conflict of interest behind Cathay's offer as the airline had earlier asked the government to reject the license application of its rival -- budget carrier JetStar -- to operate in Hong Kong.
But Cathay Pacific issued a statement insisting that there was no conflict of interest, and the purpose of the visit was to show the group a new Airbus A330 aircraft it has recently acquired. The carrier stressed it regularly invites guests from various sectors of the community to join such delivery trips aimed at helping them gain a better understanding of the latest aircraft manufacturing technology and environmental innovation, as well as the development of the aviation industry.
But the airline refused to provide further details citing privacy concerns. Legislators were also quick to jump to their own defence. In a statement, James To said as Cathay will be purchasing 50 airbuses over the next eight years, it is reasonable for lawmakers to find out more about such an important investment.
Kenneth Leung from the accountancy sector and the DAB's Ip Kwok-him said they have declared the trip with the Legislative Council before taking off last week. Under current regulations, legislators are required to declare any overseas visits within 14 days of returning to Hong Kong.
...and they expect me to take unpaid leave, save fuel, save costs, go without a pay rise and bent backwards!
