The Honourable
Henry Tang Ying-yen
GBM GBS JP
唐英年
Tang in 2023
Chief Secretary for Administration
In office
1 July 2007 – 30 September 2011
Chief ExecutiveDonald Tsang
Preceded byRafael Hui
Succeeded byStephen Lam
3rd Financial Secretary of Hong Kong
In office
5 August 2003 – 30 June 2007
Chief ExecutiveTung Chee-hwa
Donald Tsang
Preceded byAntony Leung
Succeeded byJohn Tsang
Chief Executive of Hong Kong
Acting
In office
25 May 2005 – 21 June 2005
Preceded bySir Donald Tsang (Acting)
Succeeded bySir Donald Tsang
1st Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology
In office
1 July 2002 – 3 August 2003
Chief ExecutiveTung Chee-hwa
Succeeded byJohn Tsang
Personal details
Born (1952-09-06) 6 September 1952
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
NationalityHong Konger
Political partyLiberal Party (1993–2002)
Spouse
Lisa Kuo
​
(m. 1984)​
[1]
Residence(s)7 York Road, Kowloon Tong
Alma materUniversity of Michigan (BA)
Cranbrook School
Signature
Chinese name
Chinese唐英年

Henry Tang Ying-yen GBM GBS JP (Chinese: 唐英年; born 6 September 1952) is a Hong Kong politician who served as the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong between 2007 and 2011. He held the position of Financial Secretary from 2003 to 2007. In 2012, he lost the Hong Kong Chief Executive Election to Leung Chun-ying.

Background and education

Tang was born 6 September 1952 at early morning at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital in Happy Valley, Wan Chai in British Hong Kong,[2][3][4] His family operated in the textile industry and came from Wuxi, Jiangsu to Hong Kong in 1949 to escape the communists who were taking over the Chinese mainland.[5] Henry Tang himself was born in what was then British Hong Kong in 1952.[2] Tang went to Culford School in Suffolk in Britain before attending and graduating from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1975.[6][7]

Henry Tang is commonly believed to have attended Graduate School at Yale University and to have obtained a master's degree in sociology.[8] These were credentials submitted to then Hong Kong governor David Wilson in 1991–1992. So far there is no evidence that he did obtain that degree.[8]

Tang has extensive ties with PRC leaders as his father Tang Hsiang Chien was a standing committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the advisory body to the National People's Congress.[9]

Career

Tang was named Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 1993 and won the Young Industrialist of Hong Kong award in 1989.[6]

Between 1995 and 2001 he served as the Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.[6] He was also a Committee Member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and a Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.[6] He was Chairman of the Provisional Construction Industry Co-ordination Board (PCICB) before joining the government.[10]

Tang was a member of the Executive Council from the transfer of sovereignty in 1997 to 2011.[11] He served as a member of the Legislative Council for seven years from 1991 to 1998[11] as a member of the Liberal Party, a pro-business and pro-Beijing party, prior to joining the government.

Tang has also served extensively on various government boards and public bodies, including the Trade Development Council, Town Planning Board, University Grants Committee, and Council of the City University of Hong Kong.[11]

Tang took up his commerce post in July 2002 as part of a line-up of new secretaries aimed at improving the government's transparency. He was promoted from Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology to Finance Secretary on 4 August 2003 replacing Antony Leung. Leung resigned on 16 July 2003 due to allegations of tax evasion in regards to his new car. Tang briefly served (25 May to 21 June 2005) as acting Chief Executive after Tung Chee Hwa, the former Chief Executive who resigned citing health reasons.

On 25 May 2005, Donald Tsang, the Chief Secretary for Administration, resigned to stand in the 'by-election' for Chief Executive. Tang served as Acting Chief Executive of HKSAR soon after Tsang's resignation was announced.

Harbourfest case

Tang was involved in the Harbour Fest controversy as Chairman of the Economic Relaunch Strategy Group responsible for pushing ahead with the plan to spend $100 million to revive the economy after SARS, and said that he should be held responsible. Tang had said that although Mike Rowse, a senior civil servant, had actually signed the contract, Rowse as such was not required to be held politically responsible.[12] However, during a Working Group meeting on 31 October 2003 and during an independent inquiry in May 2004, Tang allegedly said Rowse had not acted improperly and that there had been no irregularity in the implementation of the event.[13] Tang had also said that all parties had underestimated the complexity of the event and may have been too ambitious in organising it in such a short timespan. He later withdrew the remark: just before a government inquiry opened in November 2004, Tang requested the ERWG minutes be deleted.[13] Internal governmental disciplinary process fined Rowse for misconduct, but a High Court judge quashed the government ruling on 4 July 2008. Political commentator Frank Ching pointed to the huge credibility gap of the government. He noted that Tang's attempt to shift political responsibility from himself, as the minister responsible, to a senior civil servant, was a travesty of justice for Rowse, and went against the Accountability System.[14]

Chief Secretary for Administration

Chief Secretary Tang in 2008

On 23 June 2007, it was announced that Tang would succeed Rafael Hui as the new Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong effective 1 July 2007.[11]

2010 shoeing incident

On 6 March 2010 Tang attended a Youth Summit in Chai Wan organised by the Home Affairs Bureau. A 31-year-old jobless man threw a shoe at Tang and it landed on the stage metres away from him. The man was dragged away by police. The man said he was unemployed after getting fired by a computer company, and the government policies were not helping him. He said he was not a "post-80s" teen, but supported the highspeed rail protest connecting HK to Guangdong.[15] A protester said that the topics discussed in the summit are not those that any young person would be interested in.[16]

2011 car crash comment and protest

On 15 January 2011, Tang gave a speech at the Roundtable Institute that included controversial comments about the Hong Kong post-80s generation.[17][18] He said the young generations need to take responsibilities, and he cautioned them for slamming others because of opposing views. Then he stressed the need to compromise and simplify complicated issues. He further said young people should not close the door and act like emperors.[19] That he doesn't want to see politics lead to a bloodshed, leading to a road of no return and end up like a fatal car crash.[18]

On 21 January 2011, Leung Kwok-hung led a group of protesters to a public forum with a toy model car. He then smashed the car in front of Henry Tang to represent a fatal car crash.[20] On 30 January 2011 eight youth groups including Hong Kong Federation of Students marched to New World Development, Li Ka Shing's Cheung Kong Holdings in Central and accused the government of colluding with businesses in maximising profits while squeezing the poor.[21] The students criticised Tang and the government for policies that benefit the upper class only like no real estate tax duty, reduction of wine and profit tax. The students said the whole HK is at the mercy of real estate developers.[21]

Unauthorized building works

From 13 February 2012, Hong Kong media reported unauthorised building works of Tang's two adjoined residences at York Road, Kowloon Tong. On 16 February 2012, an inspection by officials of the Buildings Department revealed a basement with an area of more than 2200 square feet (11 m by 19 m) that was not documented in the approved floor plan. Tang admitted at a press conference that he was aware of the construction of an illegal basement at his family house and said that it was his wife's idea. His wife agreed that the responsibility was hers[22] The admission followed several denials and provoked widespread criticism: "He has lost almost all his credibility, he lied every day," said Ma Ngok, a political sciences professor at the University of Hong Kong to AFP.[23]

The scandal prompted some of Tang's potential supporters in the 2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election to review their position.[24] One former supporter said that it was 'unbearable' for Tang to throw the blame onto his wife.

No charges were brought against Tang though his wife was convicted of a criminal offence and fined HK$110,000, the illegal basement having been filled in.[25]

2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election

On 28 September 2011, in a widely trailed move, Tang resigned from his post, and then in late November announced his candidacy for Chief Executive.[26] He was widely believed to be preferred by Beijing, and hence quickly received support from many financial heavyweights, including Former Monetary Authority chief Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, HSBC Asia-Pacific chief executive Peter Wong Tung-shun, and 'Father of Lan Kwai Fong', Allan Zeman. However, in an unprecedented turn of events, including a series of scandals and dramatically reduced levels of public support, the final vote by the Election Committee saw him lose to Leung Chun-ying.

Possible replacement as Chief Executive

The Financial Times reported, on 23 October 2019, that Tang was being considered as a replacement for Carrie Lam as Chief Executive of Hong Kong. However, the Chinese government denied such deliberations.[27]

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

Tang serves as the chairperson of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, which oversees the M+ museum of contemporary art.[28] In March 2021, Tang said that the Authority would "definitely uphold the law and comply with the Basic Law, local laws and the national security law" in regards to art made by Ai Weiwei.[28]

Family and personal

Tang is married to Lisa Kuo Yu-chin and the couple have four children: three daughters and a son.

Tang's father Tang Hsiang Chien was a standing committee member of the CPPCC.

His brother, Tom Tang Chung-yen, is a member of the Trade Development Council, whose reappointment to the post by CY Leung, after he vanquished Tang to become Chief Executive in 2012, was seen as part of a reconciliation between the two camps.[29] Apple Daily found in October 2020 that Tom Tang may have illegally violated land lease terms of an industrial site in Tai Po.[30]

His niece (by marriage), Stefani Kuo, a playwright and actress, spoke out against the Hong Kong government during the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, views that Tang explicitly rejected.[31][32]

In February 2021, Tang said that he has a high tendency for allergic reactions to influenza vaccinations, and thus would not take a mainland Chinese COVID-19 vaccine.[33]

Extra-marital affairs

On 4 October 2011, in the midst of rumours about his extra-marital affair with Shirley Yuen, his administrative assistant when he was finance secretary of Hong Kong, Henry Tang issued a statement, in which he admitted that he had made a mistake in his romantic life in the past and he deeply regretted it. He said that his wife had forgiven him. His wife said in the statement that there had been difficult times in their relationship and that he has faults, but that she also appreciated his strengths. She acknowledged him as her 'best partner'.[34] National People's Congress Standing Committee member Rita Fan said on 7 October 2011 that she didn't know about Tang's now widely publicised infidelity when she offered her support and she refused to rule herself out of standing in the following year's Chief Executive election, though she did not in fact stand.[35]

In February 2012, several Chinese newspapers reported Henry Tang might have had a relationship with Esther Lam, the daughter of Heung Yee Kuk vice-chairman Daniel Lam Wai-keung. Emails supposedly exchanged by the two of them and a picture showing them shoulder against shoulder have been published. Tang denied the reports claiming "we are only casual acquaintances".[36]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Te-Ping Chen (20 February 2012). "Satirists Take Aim at Hong Kong Candidate Tang". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 28 April 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  2. 1 2 "广州日报 – 2011年9月29日 – A14:要闻版 – 唐英年辞去香港政务司司长". Gzdaily.dayoo.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  3. ↑ "父唐翔千出自傳 揭唐唐風雨下誕生 - 明報加東版(多倫多) - Ming Pao Canada Toronto Chinese Newspaper". Archived from the original on 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  4. ↑ "【紡織大王逝世】唐翔千與江澤民「稱兄道弟」 同為江蘇人｜香港01｜社會新聞". 10 March 2018. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  5. ↑ "銜金匙而生 跨政商兩界_中國窗-香港商報". Hkcd.com.hk. 29 September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Cityu.edu.hk. "cityu.edu.hk Archived 23 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine." Henry Tang. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  7. ↑ University of Michigan Alumni Association, Alumni Spotlight http://alumni.umich.edu/node/807 Archived 9 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  8. 1 2 講真話：有人講大話不是舊新聞 – 太陽報 (in Chinese). The-sun.on.cc. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  9. ↑ Sina.com.cn. ""唐英年之父、半島針織董事長唐翔千" Archived 7 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Sina.com.cn Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  10. ↑ Devb.gov.hk. "Devb.gov.hk." Statement by PCICB chairman. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Gov.hk. "Gov.hk." Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  12. ↑ Cannix Yau (31 October 2003). "Leung 'not to blame for Fest contracts'". The Standard. Hong Kong. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011.
  13. 1 2 Nishika Patel, Rowse seeks to have music fest verdict quashed Archived 22 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, The Standard, 26 February 2008
  14. ↑ Frank Ching (15 July 2008). "Credibility gap". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong.
  15. ↑ The Standard HK. "The Standard.com Archived 9 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine." Assault rap aimed at shoe thrower. Retrieved on 7 March 2010.
  16. ↑ South China Morning Post."SCMP Archived 10 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine." Shoes thrown at Tang at youth summit. Retrieved on 7 March 2010.
  17. ↑ The Standard HK."The Standard.com Archived 29 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine." Tang's calculated hardened stance. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  18. 1 2 Metrohk.com.hk. ""葉劉批唐挑釁" Archived 20 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Metrohk.com.hk Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  19. ↑ Sina.com. ""唐英年訓80後：社運針對官商 不分青紅皂白" Archived 19 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Sina.com Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  20. ↑ 881903.com. ""唐英年指清拆菜園村合法合情合理" Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Commercial Radio, Hong Kong. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  21. 1 2 South China Morning Post. "SCMP Archived 4 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine." Article. Retrieved on 30 January 2010.
  22. ↑ "屋宇署視察確定唐英年約道七號大宅地庫是僭建 (Buildings Department confirmed basement of Tang's residence at York Road 7 to be unauthorized)". Mingpao (in Chinese). 16 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  23. ↑ Moore, Malcolm (17 February 2012). "Henry Tang: Secret 'underground palace' scandal hits Hong Kong leader-in-waiting". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  24. ↑ "Inspectors check Tang home amid chaos". Radio Television Hong Kong. 16 February 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  25. ↑ Chan, Kahon (28 November 2013). "Henry Tang's wife fined HK$110,000 for illegal basement". Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  26. ↑ Leung, Sophie (28 September 2011). "China's Hong Kong Succession Takes Shape as Tang Steps Down". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  27. ↑ "Beijing draws up plan to replace Carrie Lam as Hong Kong chief". Financial Times. 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022.
  28. 1 2 "National security law applies to arts and culture, says Hong Kong chief amid museum row ｜ Apple Daily". Apple Daily 蘋果日報 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  29. ↑ More Tang backers reappointed, SCMP, 16 June 2012
  30. ↑ "Exclusive: Henry Tang's brother may have violated industrial land lease". Apple Daily 蘋果日報 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  31. ↑ Henry Tang distances himself from niece's video Archived 13 December 2019 at the Wayback Machine, RTHK, 13 December 2019
  32. ↑ Former chief sec. Henry Tang distances himself from niece’s viral poem on Hong Kong protests , HKFP, 13 December 2019
  33. ↑ "Beijing aide Henry Tang opts out of Chinese COVID jab due to allergies ｜ Apple Daily". Apple Daily 蘋果日報 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  34. ↑ (in Chinese)唐英年承認過去感情有缺失 Archived 2 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Sina.com.hk. 4 October 2011.
  35. ↑ Rita Fan won't rule out CE bid Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Radio Television Hong Kong. 7 October 2011.
  36. ↑ Tang denies affair with banker, South China Morning Post, 22 February 2012
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