Senior civil servants could face disciplinary action over Tai Po fire if named in report

Senior public servants found accountable for last year’s deadly Tai Po fire could face disciplinary action if named in an investigation report that a government-appointed panel is expected to submit this month, Hong Kong’s civil service chief has said.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also said on Saturday that a support unit was being set up to assist the Public Service Commission if investigations into officials’ “administrative responsibilities” were eventually launched.

“If the [investigation] report clearly pinpoints an individual [official] and points out what he or she has done inadequately, or there is prima facie evidence established, I would not rule out the possibility of launching disciplinary action directly,” she told a radio programme.

“Otherwise, if system failure is said to be a main issue, the Public Service Commission could also probe the officials’ administrative responsibilities.”