Yacht model gift to Rafael Hui was not made of real gold, graft trial hears

A "golden yacht model" that former chief secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan received from a top Guangdong official wasn't real gold, Hui's one-time assistant told the Court of First Instance yesterday.

Adeline Wong Ching-man was being questioned by defence barrister Edwin Choy Wai-bond about gifts Hui received and trips he went on in his tenure as No2 official in the government.

"Gold in colour. Not real gold," Wong said of the model Hui received from an executive vice-governor of Guangdong province. She also said the numerous trips Hui went on were "duty trips" and not for leisure.

Wong was giving evidence at the top-level corruption trial in which Hui is accused of receiving tens of millions of dollars from the co-chairmen of Sun Hung Kai Properties to be the developer's "eyes and ears" in the government over the West Kowloon arts hub and Ma Wan projects.

Choy also referred to a trip to France that Cathay Pacific invited Hui to join for the delivery ceremony of its 100th aircraft.

He put it to Wong that the Economic Development and Labour Bureau had recommended that Hui accept the invitation to show the government's recognition for Cathay Pacific's contribution to Hong Kong's aviation industry and tourism.

Wong also elaborated yesterday on evidence she gave on Monday that it was "normal" for developers to meet officials, even high-ranking ones.