Hong Kong, Nov 13 (IANS): Hong Kong's former chief executive Donald Tsang returned to court on Friday, as he faced two counts of misconduct during his time in office.

Tsang, 70, has become the highest-ranking former city official ever to be embroiled in a misconduct trial, Channel News Asia reported.

The defence has asked for more time to prepare the case after the prosecution added four new witnesses. The case was adjourned until December 18.

According to the city's anti-graft watchdog, Tsang rented a penthouse in Shenzhen while he was serving as chief executive, but did not disclose it. His interior designer was also nominated for a government award.

Tsang, however, was not charged for rides he had on tycoons’ private yachts and jets due to a loophole in the bribery ordinance that gives the top office holder in Hong Kong an exemption.

A bill to amend the law was voted down in the Legislative Council earlier this week.

If convicted, Tsang could face a maximum jail sentence of 14 years

When he first appeared in court last month, Tsang denied all the charges.

His term of office was from 2005 to 2012.