Hong Kong ministers defend decision not to resign over deadly Tai Po fire

Ministers have defended their decision not to step down over the deadly Tai Po fire, insisting they are putting Hong Kong’s well-being ahead of personal considerations.

A senior official also hinted that a successor might not be named to replace Winnie Ho Wing-yin, who resigned as housing minister to take political accountability for the city’s deadliest disaster in decades.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, who is now serving as acting housing minister, apologised alongside three cabinet colleagues on Friday as they unveiled details of reforms aimed at preventing a repeat of the tragedy.

The officials were Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah.

All but Yau joined Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu at Thursday’s press briefing, where top officials bowed and apologised for the fire that killed 168 people in November last year.

“I have thought on this … the chief executive previously used the analogy at a Legislative Council meeting that he was the captain of a ship, and then I would be a crew member on that voyage,” Linn said when asked whether she had considered stepping down.

“Sometimes it is not about personal wishes or considerations. I need to have discipline and follow the captain’s instructions.”

Linn added that as a team member, she had the responsibility to do her job well.

When Tang was asked repeatedly whether he would join Ho in resigning, he said his own views on the matter were “not important”.

“Society is important, Hong Kong is important, the country is important,” he said.

Tang explained that the chief executive had demanded reforms and “result-oriented governance”.

Deputy Financial Secretary Wong said Lee had given clear instructions to officials to remain in their posts, learn from the tragedy and ensure such a disaster would not happen again.

Lee had also explained his considerations to the public and was the “decision maker” on political accountability, Wong said.

In an earlier statement on her departure, Ho said: “I hope the deceased may rest in peace, and that their families may find peace to move forward and recover from their grief as soon as possible.”

The reform measures showed that the government would not shy away from difficulties and was determined to tackle long-standing problems, she said. No personal wrongdoing by Ho has been found.

Wong said no end date had been set for his interim tenure as housing chief.

“At present, the acting arrangement is open-ended,” he said.

“The chief executive will give it further consideration. However, as everyone is aware, there are only about eight months remaining in the current government’s term. Whether a suitable person can be found within eight months is indeed a challenge,” he said.

Wong added that he was prepared to serve in the role for either a long or short period.

The Housing Bureau had made notable progress, such as boosting the supply of public flats, he said, while also expressing hope that the public would recognise the accomplishments.

Asked if the government was seeking to diminish the Housing Bureau’s role in the blaze by calling on the public to recognise its achievements, Wong said it was “not a zero-sum game,” insisting the tragedy did not diminish the bureau’s track record.

“In all my sincerity and honesty, there were many positive achievements [of the Housing Bureau] that should be considered,” he said.