Govt officers overseeing Wang Fuk works to be probed
Chief Executive John Lee said government officers who oversaw renovation works at Wang Fuk Court before the fire will be investigated under a new accountability system, with results to be announced in three months. A report submitted by an independent committee tasked with probing the deadly inferno was released on Thursday. The report identified "deficiencies and failings" by four government…
The Public Service Commission chairwoman Maisie Cheng announced that an inquiry team will interview approximately 100 government officers across four departments in connection with the Wang Fuk Court fire investigation. These departments include the Housing Department's Independent Checking Unit, Buildings Department, Fire Services Department, and Labour Department.
With 40 to 50 officers likely to be targeted for investigation, the team aims to complete the work within three months as required by the Chief Executive, John Lee. The preparatory work for this investigation has been ongoing since August, utilizing the independent committee report and published materials as a starting point. The inquiry team will then delve into individual civil servants' actions, seeking files and interviewing officers to identify any breaches of the Civil Service Code.
Once the investigation is complete, the team will determine which civil servants are administratively responsible and recommend whether disciplinary action or administrative sanctions should be taken. The government will promptly review the recommendations. In the event of disciplinary cases, hearings will be conducted, and if charges are proven, officers may face dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion, reprimand, or fines.
Written by urgent.news from RTHK English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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