CK TANG executive chairman Tang Wee Sung is still playing a key business role even though his health is poor and he faces a charge of trying to illegally obtain a kidney.

However, the homegrown retailer has drawn up succession plans, though it declined to disclose details.

Mr Tang - whose kidneys are failing due to diabetes - still has his hands firmly on the tiller, chief executive Mr Foo Tiang Sooi said yesterday. 'Mr Tang still plays a very key strategic role. For example, three weeks ago we held a half-day management session at his home,' he said.

'I run the day-to-day operations, and keep him posted. Mr Tang is very active in putting forth his vision and direction for the company.'

Mr Tang, 56, the son of the store's late founder Tang Choon Keng, did not attend yesterday's meeting, chaired by Mr Foo. However, this is something that shareholders have become accustomed to in recent years.

After he was charged earlier this month with trying to arrange an illegal kidney transplant, the board stated on July 10 that it did not expect the firm's operations to be materially impacted.

Mr Foo said later that Mr Tang's movements are restricted because of his daily dialysis sessions.

LEE SU SHYAN