Bar Association backs tighter rules on owners' corp

The government proposes amendments to the Building Management Ordinance

to tighten regulations on owners' corporations and curb bid-rigging risks.

Speaking on a TVB programme, The chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association,

Jose Antonio Maurellet supports capping the number of proxy votes,

but opposes restricting proxy holders to just family members,

citing concerns over property rights.

The government also suggests giving authorities more power

to intervene if corporations refuse to hold meetings,

and setting up an appeal board to handle disputes.

Maurellet warns this could overlap with the Lands Tribunal.

He notes the tribunal has rich experience and operates efficiently,

suggesting the existing mechanism should remain in use

unless there are specific reasons for change.

Looking ahead , Maurellet suggests enhancing transparency

by publicly displaying proxy records, and proposes setting up

a centralized electronic voting platform in the long run

to make voting easier and more secure for owners.