Executive Council, Officials Back Govt Accountability After Tai Po Fire Report
RTHK · 5 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
The Executive Council Non-Official Members' Convener Regina Ip Lau Kong-yuk (葉劉淑儀) has endorsed the government's approach to addressing the Tai Po Hung Fuk Court fire, which occurred nearly a year ago. The October 29 release of the Independent Committee's investigation report prompted Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (李家超) to lead senior officials in a public apology. Regina Ip stated that the administration demonstrated "sincere attitude and political commitment" by clearly explaining follow-up work to the public and apologizing to victims and citizens on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR government . She emphasized that the government has shown determination to pursue comprehensive accountability at every level of responsibility .
Key Points
- Regina Ip, as Executive Council Convener, issued a statement supporting the government's willingness to face problems directly and advance comprehensive reforms .
- The Independent Committee's investigation report, released on October 29, identified systemic deficiencies across multiple institutional levels that contributed to the fire .
- Civil Administration and Youth Affairs Bureau Secretary Norma Mak Mei-kun apologized as an accountability team member, pledging to lead legislative amendments .
- The Bureau received approximately 500 consultation responses on proposed amendments to the Buildings Management Ordinance, with the Independent Committee endorsing the reform direction .
- The government is implementing seven major systemic reforms and will report legislative amendment progress to the Legislative Council .
Why It Matters
The coordinated response from top officials signals a broader shift toward greater governmental accountability and systemic reform in Hong Kong. By accepting responsibility and committing to legislative changes, the administration aims to restore public confidence and ensure that similar tragedies will not recur in residential estates across the territory .
The coordinated response from top officials signals a broader shift toward greater governmental accountability and systemic reform in Hong Kong. By accepting responsibility and committing to legislative changes, the administration aims to restore public confidence and ensure that similar tragedies will not recur in residential estates across the territory .