HK reforms to check graft in building works

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Thursday announced a reform package aimed at addressing the institutional deficiencies exposed by the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire last year.

The reforms, which include cracking down on bid-rigging, tightening building-maintenance regulations and improving departmental operations, effectively address public concerns and fully showcase a responsible government's commitment and courage, central government and local officials said.

On Nov 26, 2025, a blaze ripped through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, killing 168 people and displacing nearly 2,000 families.

A judge-led Independent Committee was formed shortly after the disaster to review and examine the causes behind the fire. After 10 months of work, the panel submitted a report to the government on Oct 22, outlining its analysis of the cause of the fire, the deficiencies it found during the inquiry, and the committee's recommendations to improve the system.

At a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and several principal officials bowed in apology to the public.

Lee said that he had accepted the resignation of Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin after she took political responsibility for the fire. The resignation awaits approval from the central government.

Reiterating his deep sadness over the tragedy, Lee unveiled a package of comprehensive reforms based on the report's recommendations.

He said the government will criminalize bid-rigging, wherein companies resort to unfair means to win projects, in building maintenance and renovation, which has long been considered by authorities to be the root cause of many problems plaguing such projects.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said the effort will involve changes to several laws, with proposed penalties for the new offense being 10 years in prison and fines calculated using a HK$10 million ($1.27 million) ceiling or formulas linked to illicit gains or local turnover.

A cross-departmental task force, comprising members of various law enforcement agencies, will be established to crack down on crimes related to bid-rigging.

Authorities have proposed setting up a Building Maintenance Support and Services Council to provide independent, reliable and professional services to property owners in various stages of building maintenance and renovation.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said that HK$300 million has been reserved as the council's startup capital and the cost subsidies for property owners who use the service. The council aims at beginning operations by the end of this year.

The government will also tighten building maintenance regulations, restructure several departments and establish a cross-departmental centralized data system for information about building maintenance and renovation works in progress to enhance supervision.

A new steering committee headed by the chief secretary for administration will be established to drive reforms, review implementations and submit proposed legal amendments to the Legislative Council.

An article published by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said the HKSAR government has rolled out rigorous follow-up actions on individuals and companies concerned. It is also looking into alleged deficiencies and failings of the civil servants concerned, and is holding a principal official concerned accountable for political responsibility over the issue.

This has fully highlighted the HKSAR government's commitment and courage as "the ones in the driver's seat and the first to be held accountable" for the governance of the city, the article said.

The moves also fully reflect the government's resolve and determination to bravely face problems, deeply advance reform and continuously enhance governance efficacy, the article added.

A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR said the measures announced reflect a major advance in the SAR's governance philosophy and governance system, laying a solid foundation for better protecting the lives and property of residents and promoting Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of the non-official members of the Executive Council, said the government's measures aim to remedy the deficiencies and the problems exposed by the fire.

"Overall, the government has fully taken into account the public's expectations and sentiments and, in the light of the report, put forward a highly comprehensive set of measures to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy," she said.

Shadow Li, Stacy Shi and Atlas Shao contributed to this story.