{
  "id": 13695801,
  "title": "Bar chief calls for transparency over proxy votes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/bar-chief-calls-for-transparency-over-proxy-votes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T09:58:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1873505-20261011.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose-Antonio Maurellet, chairman of the Bar Association, urged for greater transparency surrounding proxy votes regarding building management matters. His call for increased transparency came after the government proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance, aiming to reduce the risk of bid-rigging following the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in November, which claimed 168 lives.\n\nAddressing a TVB programme, Maurellet suggested capping the number of proxy votes an individual can cast. However, he expressed reservations about limiting proxy holders to relatives or other owners within the same estate. Instead, the Bar Association believes there are alternative methods to restrict proxy holders.\n\nMaurellet emphasized the need for enhanced transparency. He proposed that authorization forms should be submitted at least 96 hours prior to an owners' meeting and made publicly accessible at a conspicuous location within the building 48 hours before the meeting, clearly indicating which unit is represented by which person.\n\nIf an owner wishes to delegate proxy voting responsibilities to a friend rather than relatives, Maurellet stated that such a decision should be respected. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of an online voting platform to streamline the process and make it more convenient for homeowners.",
  "summary": "The chairman of the Bar Association Jose-Antonio Maurellet on Sunday said authorities should enhance transparency around proxy votes in matters related to building management. His remarks came after the government proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance to lower the risk of bid-rigging, in response to November's fire at Wang Fuk Court, which took 168 lives. Speaking on a TVB…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "Bar chief calls for transparency over proxy votes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/bar-chief-calls-for-transparency-over-proxy-votes-13696722",
        "published": "2026-10-11T09:58:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}