{
  "id": 13696722,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T09:58:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1873505-20261011.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose-Antonio Maurellet, chairman of the Bar Association, has called for greater transparency concerning proxy votes in matters relating to building management. His comments followed the government's proposal for amendments to the Building Management Ordinance, aimed at reducing the likelihood of bid-rigging following the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in November, which claimed 168 lives. Speaking on TVB, Maurellet suggested capping the number of proxy votes an individual could cast. However, he expressed reservations about limiting proxy holders to relatives or other owners within the same estate. \"We believe there are alternative methods to the restriction on who can be an authorized proxy holder,\" he stated. Maurellet emphasized the need for transparency, proposing that authorization forms be submitted at least 96 hours prior to an owners' meeting and made publicly available in a conspicuous location within the building 48 hours before the meeting, revealing which unit is represented by whom. He also suggested implementing an online voting platform to streamline the process for property owners.",
  "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 English",
        "title": "Bar chief calls for transparency over proxy votes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/bar-chief-calls-for-transparency-over-proxy-votes",
        "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."
}