CE John Lee stands firm on mandating seatbelts citing public safety

New laws mandating seatbelts took effect last Sunday. While the measure has received some complaints, Chief Executive John Lee is standing firm, citing public safety as the absolute priority. He noted that the initial stage of implementation will focus on public education and fostering habits through persuasion.

Addressing concerns that many passengers are accustomed to buckling up, Chief Executive John Lee acknowledged that new rules often bring initial "inconvenience," but stressed that the legislation is a necessary response to the 2018 Tai Po Road bus crash, which claimed 19 lives.

Chief Executive John Lee said: "I understand the measure will require a change of behaviour and passenger may feel inconvenient at the beginning. However, this small change in behaviour can potentially reduce serious injuries by 70 percent or deaths by 70 percent."

Lee was also asked about the long-term rehousing plan for Wang Fuk Court residents, who are displaced by the tragic fire two months ago.

He said around 90 percent of owners have responded to the government's questionnaire about their wishes, while a dedicated task force was currently analysing the data to finalise the next steps for the various resettlement options.

As for the accountability issue for the tragedy, he stressed the criminal investigations by law enforcement agencies are underway to find the truth and clarify responsibilities as soon as possible.

"I have said repeatedly that all those who should be held accountable will be held to account, whether they are within the Government or outside the Government, whether they are at the junior level or senior level, and that we will pursue accountability to the very end," Lee said.

Regarding the government's counterfeit bottled water procurement scandal, Lee said it was "appropriate" to withdraw the Silver Bauhinia Star initially awarded to the former Director of Logistics Carlson Chan.

While Chan's subordinates failed to report the issue to him, Lee said Chan bears the "ultimate responsibility" as the head of the department.

In relation to comments by Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, made at The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies' seminar in Beijing yesterday, Lee said they provided insightful explanations and guiding principles regarding executive-led governance.