HKSAR govt pledges full probe into fire

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Wednesday pledged a thorough investigation into November's deadly Tai Po fire, promising to hold all responsible parties strictly accountable "based on the facts", while unveiling sweeping legislative reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

Addressing lawmakers at the first meeting of Hong Kong's eighth-term Legislative Council, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged members to uphold the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and continue improving the executive-led system to ensure effective interaction between the government and the legislature.

In the wake of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex fire, which claimed at least 161 lives and displaced nearly 2,000 households, Lee said the new legislature bears responsibility for overseeing recovery efforts while driving economic and social development.

He pledged accountability for all involved. "Whether they are government or nongovernment personnel, whether at the grassroots or senior levels, (they) will be held responsible and punished, based on the facts," he said.

Lee also addressed long-term housing arrangements for affected families. Acknowledging differing views, he said working groups will analyze findings from a recent survey on residents' opinions to formulate long-term accommodation plans as soon as possible.

The SAR government will promote systemic reform and immediately implement improvement measures across all necessary areas, devoting full efforts to recovery work to help families rebuild their lives, Lee said.

Following Lee's remarks, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki unveiled a series of legislative reform proposals, including integrating fire safety measures into property managers' statutory duties.

"This move is intended to clarify the chain of accountability and formally establish property management companies as legal gatekeepers for building fire safety,"Chan said.

The government also plans to legislate mandatory safety distances for large-scale building maintenance projects.

Other proposals include amending laws to require prior approval from the Fire Services Department before disabling critical fire safety equipment. Current regulations require only post-action notification to the department.

Chan also pledged to accelerate amendments to the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations. The revised rules would impose clear legal responsibilities on main contractors, subcontractors and all on-site personnel, and introduce a strict prohibition on smoking at all construction sites. The amendments are expected to be submitted to the legislature for deliberation in the coming weeks.

The nearly nine-hour session also included seven other senior officials outlining supportive measures implemented by their respective working groups and government departments, and detailing institutional improvements.

Except for Legislative Council President Starry Lee Wai-king, who presided over the meeting, all 90 lawmakers shared their views and suggestions on ongoing support and reconstruction efforts.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, from the Election Committee constituency, said redeveloping Wang Fuk Court would require a lengthy process due to complex legal procedures. He added that lingering psychological stigma could dampen market acceptance of redeveloped properties, potentially affecting their long-term value.

Finance sector lawmaker Ronick Chan Chun-ying said a fast and flexible option would be for the SAR government to acquire all property rights in the disaster-hit estate at pre-fire market value.

Vivian Kong Man-wai, who represents the tourism sector, called for swift implementation of a permanent resettlement plan and urged the government and social service organizations to provide more wellness and recreational activities for displaced residents.