Hong Kong - The trading in shares of Hong Kong telecomms giant PCCW was suspended at the company's request Wednesday.

It followed reports concerning the investigation into alleged vote-rigging in the company's 2-billion-US-dollar privatisation plan proposed by PCCW's controlling shareholders

A report in the South China Morning Post Wednesday said a court decision could be delayed, and quoted sources saying that the Securities and Futures Commission was investigating whether anyone had made false statements to the stock market or regulators.

PCCW claims its own inquiries have revealed no improper share transfers.

The firm is Hong Kong's biggest fixed-line telephone operator, and runs internet and mobile phone operations as well as the broadband television company called Now. (dpa)