Might a seemingly small birthday party reveal larger issues? Today we explore the story behind Hung Tsui. While Hung Tsui itself may seem serene, its surroundings have been touched by political turbulence.
The Witman Hung partygate scandal unfolded during Hong Kong’s fifth wave of COVID-19 infections. This event, though not directly related to Hung Tsui’s natural beauty, offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s recent history.
On January 3 2022, a banquet was held for Witman Hung Wai-man. He was celebrating his 53rd birthday at a tapas bar in Wan Chai. Over 225 people attended the party including senior officials. The event exceeded the venue’s legal capacity. This gathering defied authorities’ advice to avoid large crowds.
News of the party spread when a participant contracted COVID-19. Authorities ordered Hung and 170 attendees into quarantine at Penny’s Bay. The event became a political scandal. Chief Executive Carrie Lam suspended 13 officials who had attended. Caspar Tsui, Secretary for Home Affairs, later resigned.
During the pandemic, Hong Kong maintained strict public health measures. Authorities implemented a zero-COVID policy. The first Omicron clusters appeared in the city on December 30. Officials advised citizens to avoid crowds.
Witman Hung is a liaison officer for Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority. He is also a delegate to the National People’s Congress. He was described as a “party animal”.
The 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong had just been formed. Its first session was due on January 12 2022. The scandal broke just days before, implicating several new members.
The banquet took place at Reserva Ibérica Tapas Bar. The Spanish restaurant was estimated to be serving 150 customers. The number of diners could not exceed the seating capacity. The restaurant was responsible for ensuring customers scanned the government’s track-and-trace app.
Photographs revealed over 200 people at the crowded party. Some were believed to be senior government officials and members of the Legislative Council. Hung was photographed without a mask. He was singing karaoke and interacting closely with guests. Some officials stayed throughout the banquet. Others attended briefly before leaving. Many attendees failed to use Hong Kong’s contact tracing app.
On January 6, a party participant tested positive for COVID-19. Carrie Lam expressed disappointment in ministers. She vowed to take action.
On January 7, an investigation was launched into social distancing adherence at the restaurant. Lam tasked officials with investigating the actions of attending legislators.
170 attendees were ordered to quarantine for 21 days at Penny’s Bay. Lam suspended 13 officials. A second attendee tested positive. This was later found to be a false positive. Eleven officials were permitted to leave quarantine. Lam ordered them to self-isolate using their own annual leave.
On January 18, three officials left quarantine early. The isolation period had been reduced to 14 days.
Senior officials were criticized for attending private parties. Chung Kim-wah said the partygate blurred the boundary between political cultures.
Raymond Young questioned which rules officials broke. He revealed Lam attended a wedding recently. Lam replied she attended for 10 minutes in late November or early December 2021.
Facing the sack, Tsui resigned on January 31. Lam criticized all officials who attended. The investigation concluded Tsui breached COVID rules. Two other officials were verbally warned. The remaining 12 were not punished.
In April 2022, the restaurant operator pleaded guilty to violating COVID-19 restrictions. The operator received a fine of 6000 Hong Kong dollars.
In September 2022, Celia Wong Sze-nga was charged with submitting false information. She was found guilty in January 2024.
In November 2022, Tsui contacted Hung. He said Hung was “also a victim in some way”.
The Witman Hung partygate reflects a unique moment in Hong Kong’s history. It reveals public health challenges and political accountability. The event’s impact resonated far beyond the walls of a Wan Chai tapas bar. It touched Hung Tsui indirectly. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between social events and governance.