October 30: On Thursday (October 29), the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) released the independent commission’s investigation report into the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire incident. That afternoon, Chief Executive John Lee, accompanied by principal HKSAR government officials, convened a press conference to outline accountability measures and sweeping reform initiatives.
During the press conference, Chief Executive Lee and other senior officials tendered a formal public apology over the Wang Fuk Court fire tragedy. They affirmed that the HKSAR government will pursue criminal charges against individuals and entities implicated in the incident, conduct thorough inquiries into administrative lapses and oversights by relevant civil servants, and enforce political accountability among principal officials.
Lee announced that the HKSAR government will implement comprehensive reforms based on the findings and recommendations of the independent commission. Key measures include outlawing and cracking down on tender-rigging practices in building maintenance works, overhauling building maintenance management and regulatory oversight mechanisms, and establishing a high-level steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration.
Lee emphasized that the HKSAR government will draw profound lessons from the incident to reinforce leadership resolve and governance responsibility. He pledged to spearhead efforts across the government to tackle systemic issues, carry out comprehensive structural reforms, and institute safeguards to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.
Source: Lily, Touhid, Shwarna | China Media Group (CMG)