Hong Kong development chief says she considered resigning but must follow leader's orders
Development Bureau Director Michaela Lin said she considered resigning over the Wang Fu Court fire but stressed discipline and following the leader's instructions. Deputy Financial Secretary Wong Wai-lap said his acting housing role has no end date and finding a new minister may be challenging with
Development Bureau Director Michaela Lin appeared at a government reform measures press conference on 30 October, where she was asked whether she had considered resigning over the Wang Fu Court fire. Lin said she had thought about it, but noted that the Chief Executive had likened himself to a ship's captain during a Legislative Council question-and-answer session months ago. As a fellow crew member sailing together, she said her personal considerations or wishes were not the most important factor, and that there was a need for discipline in following the captain's instructions, otherwise it would be difficult to continue sailing forward according to the captain's plan.
Lin said the independent committee report had criticised the Buildings Department, and the Development Bureau was the relevant policy bureau. She stated that the Chief Executive had certain requirements for those bureau chiefs who remained, and as a team member, she had a responsibility to follow the captain's instructions and do her job well.
Deputy Financial Secretary and Acting Housing Secretary Wong Wai-lap was asked how long he would serve in the acting role. Wong said the acting appointment was 'open-ended' with no termination date, and the term could be long or short. He said he was prepared to work hard to meet the challenges. He added that whether a new permanent secretary would be appointed was a matter for the Chief Executive, but with about eight months remaining in the current term of government, finding a new secretary might be challenging.
When asked about his previous role as supervisor of former Housing Secretary Winnie Ho, and how he evaluated her performance and her resignation the previous day, Wong said the Housing Bureau had achieved some results but also had shortcomings and failings, and the Chief Executive had expressed disappointment.
Wong also said that Lin's remarks echoed his own feelings. As a member of the accountability team, he said the Chief Executive had given clear instructions, and going forward he would strictly adhere to his post, learn lessons and work hard.