The former mainland official that Allen Lee described as someone who wanted to threaten his family is an "easy-going" and "enthusiastic" person.

Executive Councillor Leung Chun-ying, former Preparatory Committee vice-chairman, said he came across Cheng Shousan at committee meetings.

"Though I don't know him well, I remember that he was earnest, serious and enthusiastic," he said.

He said it was normal for Cheng to want to call Lee when he was in Hong Kong.

"Since it's not as convenient for mainlanders to come to Hong Kong, it is very normal for them to contact old friends when they are here," Leung told China Daily.

He said Lee made a very serious allegation that somebody or the central government has pressured him. "This is not a personal matter. The issue has damaged the image of Hong Kong," Leung said.

Raymond Wu, a National People's Congress deputy and former Preparatory Committee vice-chairman, said he did not believe Cheng was trying to pressure Lee.

Wu said he was well acquainted with Cheng and had met him in Hong Kong when he was here two weeks ago.

"He called upon me while in Hong Kong and told me he would like to call upon others. But he did not say he would contact Lee," Wu said.

"Cheng is an easy-going person and not a bureaucrat. Since he worked for the Foreign Ministry and lived abroad, his style is close to that of the expatriates. It's nothing strange for him to ring old friends while in Hong Kong," Wu said.

He said Cheng had a special affection for Hong Kong and always wanted to know more about the SAR. "It's unlucky for him to get embroiled in the political swirl," he said.

(HK Edition 06/01/2004 page2)