Hong Kong’s John Lee apologises for Tai Po fire, unveils reforms as housing chief resigns

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu of Hong Kong has apologized for the deadly Tai Po fire that occurred last year, promising extensive reforms in the civil service and legislative branches. The fire, which took place at Wang Fuk Court and killed 168 people and displaced 1,984 families, led to the resignation of Housing Chief Winnie Ho Wing-yin.

During a press conference, Lee and seven other top officials bowed their heads in apology, expressing their sincere remorse for the pain and sorrow caused to the affected families and society. Lee stated that the government would take political accountability and pledged to implement reforms in seven areas, including combatting bid-rigging in building maintenance works, improving the regulatory framework, and supporting services.

The government will also revise six pieces of legislation and strengthen the Competition Ordinance to criminalize bid-rigging. A team under the Public Service Commission will conduct a three-month investigation into 40 to 50 officers, interviewing approximately 100 civil servants to determine any errors, misconduct, or breaches of regulations.

Ho was held responsible for the fire as it occurred at the subsidised housing estate under the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit (ICU), although Lee stressed that she had not committed any personal wrongdoing. Lee received support from Beijing, which praised his administration's determination to address the issues decisively.