Hong Kong leader warns retirement no shield from disciplinary action over fire report
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee says retiring officials can be denied pensions if disciplinary action is warranted, following a probe into a public housing fire. He stresses the civil service disciplinary system can investigate up to the highest levels.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said the existing civil service disciplinary system allows the government to withhold pension payments from retiring officials if they are found to have committed administrative misconduct. He was speaking at a press conference to release an independent commission's report on a fire at Tai Po's Hung Fuk Court and related reforms.
Asked how officials already retired or about to retire could be held accountable, Lee reiterated that under current rules, if disciplinary action is required against a person nearing retirement, the government can decide not to disburse their pension. “There are methods to mete out punishment,” he stressed.
When pressed on which tiers of civil servants might face action and whether former officials could be implicated, Lee emphasised the government acts pragmatically, not out of concern for reputation. He stated the administration’s approach is people-oriented, and that the proposed reforms aim to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Lee said the political team has already made clear it will bear political responsibility, and that he has taken all relevant factors into account in reaching decisions. He underscored that under the principle of departmental head accountability, investigations can reach the most senior government officials, and the government will give the Commission on Discipline full autonomy to conduct its inquiries.