CE vows to criminalise bid-rigging and reform departments

Chief Executive John Lee says he believes the root of the issue in Wang Fuk

tragedy lies in bid-rigging, which must be prohibited and combated through legislation.

A series of internal government reform measures will also be introduced.

Chief Executive John Lee identified bid-rigging as the root issue of the Wang Fuk

Court fire, calling for targeted legislation to outlaw the practice alongside a series

of internal government reforms.

This includes reorganising the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit,

to be established within November, and reforming the structure of the Buildings

Department to enhance its regulatory responsibilities and mechanisms.

Regarding anti-bid-rigging efforts, measures include amending laws to criminalise

bid-rigging by incorporating it into the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance,

proposing a maximum imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of 10 million dollars.

An inter-departmental task force and a new bureau for building maintenance support

and services will also be established, along with a centralised database system

to handle complaints simultaneously.

Connection with building maintenance works

the joint task force (will comply) the police

the ICAC as well as the Competition Commission.