The Chief Executive has been caught up in a storm over breach of airport rules. File photo: RTHK
The Chief Executive, CY Leung, has come under fire for allegedly abusing his power by ordering airline staff and the Airport Authority to act against local aviation regulations.
According to the Apple Daily newspaper, CY Leung had reportedly pressured Cathay Pacific staff late last month to go beyond the normal rules to help his younger daughter, Leung Chung-yan, retrieve luggage from the departure hall.
According to the report Leung Chung-yan, who was heading to San Francisco, had left her carry-on baggage outside as she went through security and arrived at the boarding gate.
Cathay staff refused her request to bring in the luggage citing security reasons. The report said the 23-year-old then called her father for help.
The report said CY Leung then called the airline and demanded assistance in retrieving the baggage. It said he also insisted the staff to address him as "Chief Executive Leung" rather than "Mr Leung".
Cathay Pacific and Airport Authority staff complied and delivered the bag to Leung Chung-yan.
But the report of the alleged incident has sparked an outrage.
Jeremy Tam from the Civic Party, who is an airlines pilot, said bringing unaccompanied baggage into the restricted zone can pose a serious security risk as someone could have put dangerous items into the luggage.
The Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Cabin Crew Federation, Carol Ng, said no one should enjoy any privilege that goes against airport security regulations.
Democratic Party lawmaker James To, meanwhile, said it was unfortunate that the Chief Executive himself was breaking the rules.
CY Leung has refused to comment on the allegations so far, and the Transport Secretary, Anthony Cheung, simply said the Airport Authority is looking into the matter.
Labour Party legislator Lee Cheuk-yan called on the government to come clean as soon as possible. “They refused to comment on what actually happened … the people of Hong Kong need an answer”, he said.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1253012-20160407.htm
