Hong Kong leader orders two-tier probe into fire department failures
Hong Kong leader Lee orders a two-tier administrative investigation into four government departments for regulatory failures related to a fire at Wang Fuk Estate. The probe, to be completed within three months, will examine individual accountability and recommend disciplinary actions.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on 29 October that he has initiated a two-tier administrative investigation under the departmental head accountability system regarding the Wang Fuk Estate fire. The decision follows an independent commission report that found shortcomings and lapses in the regulatory responsibilities of four government departments in overseeing fire risks associated with the Wang Fuk Estate project.
The departments under scrutiny are the Independent Review Unit, the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department, and the Labour Department. Lee said the investigation has been referred to the Civil Service Board of Review in accordance with its investigation regulations, with a deadline of three months for completion.
The terms of reference for the investigation include: first, to gather evidence on the personal accountability of officials in the four departments identified by the independent commission for lapses in supervising fire risks related to the Wang Fuk Estate project, and to determine whether dereliction of duty, violations of departmental regulations, or breaches of the civil service code and management rules occurred; second, based on collected evidence and facts, to recommend disciplinary actions and administrative penalties under relevant departmental rules, regulations, the Civil Service Management Order, and the Civil Service Disciplinary Regulations for any personnel found to have been derelict or delinquent.
Lee stated that the government will hold two press briefings on the following day to introduce reforms to the building maintenance regulatory system and support services, as well as measures to combat bid-rigging in building maintenance works, with detailed specifics to be announced.