Tai Po Fire Probe: Member Alleges Rigged Proxy Votes in Management Election
The third set of public evidential hearings into the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po continued, with committee member Kong Cheung-fat testifying about alleged electoral misconduct. Kong claimed that proxy votes were rigged to favor specific candidates during the owners’ corporation management committee elections, including his own failed bid for vice-chairman. He alleged that this manipulation allowed Prestige Construction and Engineering to secure a renovation contract despite submitting the highest bid. Additionally, Kong admitted the corporation failed to enforce fire safety protocols, such as fining the contractor for workers smoking on site or preventing the use of flammable styrofoam boards. Former chairman Tony Tsui Moon-come stated he unsuccessfully tried to ban combustible materials and smoking. The inquiry also examined accusations against district councillor Peggy Wong Pik-kiu regarding her role in collecting proxy votes. This tragedy, the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1948, killed 168 people and left nearly 5,000 homeless, highlighting severe lapses in oversight and governance within the residential estate.
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Tai Po Fire Probe: Member Alleges Rigged Proxy Votes in Management Election
The third set of public evidential hearings into the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po continued, with committee member Kong Cheung-fat testifying about alleged electoral misconduct. Kong claimed that proxy votes were rigged to favor specific candidates during the owners’ corporation management committee elections, including his own failed bid for vice-chairman. He alleged that this manipulation allowed Prestige Construction and Engineering to secure a renovation contract despite submitting the highest bid. Additionally, Kong admitted the corporation failed to enforce fire safety protocols, such as fining the contractor for workers smoking on site or preventing the use of flammable styrofoam boards. Former chairman Tony Tsui Moon-come stated he unsuccessfully tried to ban combustible materials and smoking. The inquiry also examined accusations against district councillor Peggy Wong Pik-kiu regarding her role in collecting proxy votes. This tragedy, the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1948, killed 168 people and left nearly 5,000 homeless, highlighting severe lapses in oversight and governance within the residential estate.
News - South China Morning Post