Hong Kong  - The popularity of Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang has slumped to an all-time low as the economic crisis takes its toll on the wealthy former British colony, a survey found Wednesday.

The popularity rating of Beijing-appointed Tsang fell from 54.5 points out of 100 in November to 50.2 points in December, his lowest score since taking office in 2005.

More than 1,000 people are questioned for the monthly University of Hong Kong surveys which registered nearly 80 per cent public approval for Tsang when he was first appointed chief executive.

Since then, however, his popularity has waned as the economy has weakened and the December figures coincide with rising unemployment and falling share and property prices in the city of 6.9 million.

Share prices in Hong Kong have fallen by more than 50 per cent since their peak in October 2007 while home prices are reported to have dropped by up to 30 per cent since the beginning of this year.

Tsang, appointed for a five-year term by a largely pro-China election committee, has also come under fire for allegedly failing to help hundreds of Hong Kong residents stranded in Bangkok during the recent unrest. (dpa)