The government has given approval for former police commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hung to join a private firm as a strategic consultant.
Tsang, who was seen as a hardliner during the pro-democracy Occupy protests in 2014, will become corporate strategy chief for Chen Hsong Group, according to a government circular issued on Thursday.
Chen Hsong Group, a Bermuda-incorporated manufacturer of injection moulding machines, was founded by the father of pro-establishment lawmaker Ann Chiang Lai-wan. Chiang’s sister Chiang Lai-yuen, chief executive of the group, reportedly headhunted Tsang for the post.
The former police chief will be responsible for reviewing security-related issues of the company, and providing leadership training and “personal advice” to the management.
Restrictions
In approving Tsang’s new post, the government stipulated conditions that Tsang will not disclose any information relating to police strategies, investigations and operations that he had acquired as a civil servant.
He is also prohibited from dealing with any matters that may involve the police force.
Lam Cheuk-ting, Democratic Party lawmaker-elect and former anti-graft commissioner, told HK01 that hiring of high-ranking officials by corporate firms raises “reasonable suspicion” about whether those officials had secretly struck deals with companies while serving in government.
“Do their hearts lie with Hong Kong people or their future boss?” Lam said.
The government imposes a “control period” on high-ranking officials seeking outside employment after leaving the civil service. The period typically lasts for two to three years, during which any employment will require the government’s approval.
Pro-establishment lawmaker Regina Yip said that the control period is reasonable as it is “not short” compared to the standards of other regions.
Tsang retired in May 2015 after serving the police force for more than 30 years, and was given Hong Kong’s top award two months following his retirement.
In May this year, Tsang sought the government’s approval of his employment with Chen Hsong Group. He will be earning at least HK$1 million a year, according to local news reports.
Tsang has said that he would not join the private sector after retirement, and would only consider volunteer positions with an “annual salary of HK$1.”
