HONG KONG, December 2 – Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, forcefully defended the government’s response to the devastating Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire and simultaneously vowed swift action against those allegedly undermining social stability, following mounting international scrutiny. The inferno, classified as a Level 5 incident, resulted in at least 151 fatalities, triggering widespread consensus for a thorough investigation and accountability for the disaster.
In a press conference ahead of the Executive Council meeting today, Mr. Lee used strong language while addressing media inquiries, particularly from foreign outlets, about both the disaster probe and the recent arrests of individuals under “sedition” charges. His comments come as the government details the ongoing investigation into the fire, suggesting cost-cutting measures may have involved the use of non-compliant, non-flame retardant scaffolding nets on the building’s exterior façade, allegedly to deceive safety tests. Fourteen individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the fire.
Leader Pledges Rigorous Pursuit of Accountability
The Chief Executive emphasized that the government is committed to structural reform and holding those responsible for the tragedy accountable.
“This fire is a tragedy, and therefore necessitates reform,” Mr. Lee stated, acknowledging that the disaster exposed systemic issues and “bottlenecks” within the current building renovation and oversight system. He promised a sweeping review to identify and plug all regulatory loopholes, ensuring such an event is never repeated. Furthermore, he explicitly addressed concerns about corruption and undue influence.
“We need to ensure vested interests will not be allowed to affect to cause this tragedy,” he declared, promising enhanced and reformed systems to eliminate long-standing defects that may have been exploited. Mr. Lee confirmed the establishment of an independent commission, led by a judge, to thoroughly investigate the incident, assuring the public that its findings will be fully disclosed.
Sedition Arrests Defended Amid Scrutiny
The focus of the press briefing shifted when Mr. Lee was pressed on reports that three individuals—identified by reporters as a student, a former district councilor, and a volunteer—had been arrested on suspicion of sedition. The arrests occurred concurrently with the response efforts to the catastrophic blaze.
The Chief Executive staunchly defended the actions of law enforcement, stating that all criminals must face the full force of the law, regardless of the nature of the alleged offense or the background of the individuals involved.
“Anybody who dares to sabotage this attempt, this commitment of society, we will do anything we can to ensure that justice will be done,” Mr. Lee said, stressing that law enforcement has an obligation to act against lawbreakers. He cautioned against attempts to capitalize on the ongoing community distress: “We will absolutely not tolerate any criminal activity, especially those attempting to utilize the current tragedy.”
Mr. Lee maintained that while the community is galvanized to help survivors and rebuild, any attempt to disrupt these efforts or sow discord would be met with an immediate response. He reiterated that the broader social commitment remains focused on recovery and reform. The government has reassured the public that the upcoming Legislative Council elections, scheduled for December 7, will proceed as planned, with newly elected lawmakers expected to be critical partners in implementing fire safety reforms.
The investigation into the cause of the fire and the subsequent arrests underscore a period of intense public anxiety and political tension, balancing official calls for unity with demands for unfettered scrutiny of government oversight.
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