Government Launches Two-Tier Departmental Heads Accountability Investigation Into Whether 40 to 50 Civil Servants Failed in Their Duties

The government has launched a two-tier investigation into administrative responsibility under the departmental heads accountability system over the Wang Fuk Court fire, referring to the Public Service Commission an investigation into whether about 40 to 50 civil servants failed in their duties, to be completed within three months with recommendations for disciplinary action and administrative sanctions. Commission chairman Cheng Mei-sze said it will meet about 100 government personnel, and so far no civil servant appears to be involved in criminal issues. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said that if charges are established after a disciplinary hearing, the penalties can be dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion or a severe reprimand.