Hong Kong ministers apologise over building repair bid-rigging scandal
Security chief Tang and commerce chief Yau apologised to fire victims and the public over bid-rigging in building repairs. They announced legal reforms, tougher enforcement and criminalisation of anti-competitive conduct in the sector.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Tang Siu-keung, and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau, apologised on behalf of the government's accountability team to residents of the Wang Fai Court estate and the wider public, following a scandal over bid-rigging in building repair works.
Speaking at a press conference on government reform measures on 30 October, Mr Tang said the government would adopt a multi-pronged approach to overhaul the system. The reforms would cover three main areas: amending legislation, co-ordinating law enforcement, and strengthening frontline prevention, he said.
Mr Tang pledged to close loopholes and crack down on all criminal activities linked to bid-rigging syndicates involved in building maintenance contracts, vowing to “uproot” such illegal practices.
Mr Yau said the most important message from the current review of the Competition Ordinance was that the government would introduce more powerful, targeted legal measures to combat serious anti-competitive behaviour in building repair tenders.
He stressed that the authorities would not tolerate collusion to manipulate tender results at the expense of property owners and law-abiding businesses. Mr Yau announced plans to criminalise serious anti-competitive conduct in building repair works and to reform civil procedures.
“These changes will significantly enhance the deterrent effect and regulatory effectiveness of the Competition Ordinance, precisely targeting anti-competitive offences related to building repair works,” he said.
