CE: systemic reform could be considered after Tai Po fire

On the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po which claimed 168 lives, Chief Executive John Lee said criminal liability will be pursued based on facts and evidence once the independent inquiry committee submits its report.

The tragedy has exposed serious loopholes in building maintenance oversight and widespread bid-rigging issues.

The city leader said as it is now about halfway to the committee's reporting deadline, he is confident in the inquiry's capability.

The new chair of the Competition Commission Senior Counsel Jat Sew-tong earlier proposed to criminalise bid-rigging under the Competition Ordinance. The CE says the proposed direction is under active consideration with systemic reforms to address the issue.