On October 29, 2026, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee held a press conference in which he offered an apology and announced the resignation of Housing Secretary Winnie Ho in an effort to show accountability in government, following a damning release of the independent committee's report [ Volume 1 | Volume 2 ] regarding the causes of a tragic fire that destroyed 7 apartment towers and caused the death of 168 people, including one firefighter, plus 79 injuries.

While the government was willing to apologize, admit serious shortcomings and announce reforms, it was clear that the government was also not going to be transparent on how accountability would be achieved other than the firing of one official, and the media pounced all over it.

The English-language Q & A is available here. While one might expect the English-language reporters to make some very pointed comments while asking their questions ("the reform you have just mentioned is basically replacing bureaucracy with another bureaucracy without any fundamental changes") it turns out that the Chinese-language media were arguably more combative, and very effective in going after the government's reasoning of what is considered accountability. So, below, the transcript in Chinese, plus an English translation by ChatGPT. I have gone through the translation, but may have missed a few errors; please feel free to point them out on Bluesky, I take responsibility for all translation errors.

1. Winnie Ho's resignation, John Lee's accountability and building maintenance funding

記者 Reporter

首先想問特首，就是何永賢的任期本來只餘下幾個月，你覺得這個追究責任的力度是否足夠？而你本人作為特首，負責領導官員，你覺得自己是否在問責的範圍之內？是否需要負上責任？另外，剛剛提到明年一月會成立樓宇維修支援及服務局，但只預留了三億，你們覺得是否足夠？最後想問三個局長，覺得自己有否需要被問責？

First, I would like to ask the Chief Executive: Winnie Ho had only a few months remaining in her term of office. Do you think this level of accountability is sufficient?

And as Chief Executive, you are responsible for leading your officials. Do you consider yourself to fall within the scope of accountability? Do you need to take responsibility?

Also, you just mentioned that the Building Maintenance Support and Services Authority would be established in January next year, but only HK$300 million has been earmarked. Do you think that is sufficient?

Finally, I would like to ask the three bureau secretaries whether they believe they themselves should be held accountable.

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

我去考慮政治團隊承擔政治責任，我剛才向大家交代了我考慮的一系列因素，綜合考慮後，我認為房屋局局長承擔政治責任。

不管任期有多久，這都是承擔政治責任必然要履行的。我作出的亦是綜合考慮了所有元素的政治決定。我個人的問題，我對火災發生帶來168人死亡，我深感傷痛難過。在我自我檢討的過程中，我考慮到政府需推行大量改革，未來亦有大量工作要落實，作為政府第一責任人，其中一個最重要的責任就是要帶領政府直視問題、解決問題，落實未來的大量工作。所以，我以政府之首，行政長官的身分，向災民和公眾道歉，並履行責任全力帶領政府解決問題，落實未來的大量工作，並進行全面改革，不容許類似事情再發生。

有關成立樓宇維修支援及服務局，我們會有一些資助，這方面我首先交給發展局局長談談這方面的服務如何提供。請發展局局長。

In considering how the politically appointed team should shoulder political responsibility, I have just explained to everyone the series of factors I took into account. Having considered them comprehensively, I concluded that the Secretary for Housing should shoulder political responsibility.

Regardless of how much time remains in her term of office, this is something that must be fulfilled when assuming political responsibility. My decision was a political one made after taking all factors into consideration.

As for the question concerning myself, I feel profound grief and sorrow over the 168 deaths caused by the fire.

In the course of my self-examination, I considered that the government needs to carry out extensive reforms and that a great deal of work remains to be implemented. As the person bearing primary responsibility for the government, one of my most important responsibilities is to lead the government in confronting problems, solving them and carrying out the substantial work ahead.

Therefore, as head of the government and in my capacity as Chief Executive, I apologise to the victims and the public. I will fulfil my responsibility by doing everything possible to lead the government in resolving these problems, implementing the extensive work ahead and carrying out comprehensive reforms, so that a similar incident will never be allowed to happen again.

Regarding the establishment of the Building Maintenance Support and Services Authority, we will provide some subsidies. I will first ask the Secretary for Development to explain how these services will be provided. Secretary for Development, please.

發展局局長 Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn

剛才的記者問到現時預留的三億元撥款是否足夠，其實我們預留這筆撥款時，是預留大約一億元為起動資金。另外二億元是將來，因為這個服務是收費服務，對於使用這個服務的業主，我們都希望能夠繼續給予一些費用寬免給他們。當然我們都會因應情況，資金的調撥不是鐵板一塊。

但因為始終這個新成立的支援及服務局，應該以自負盈虧的方式運作，因為它提供的服務是協助業主，所以業主都要付一定費用。既然這樣，我們覺得在初期當它未有收入時，暫時預留起動資金是合適的方法。當然，往下去，政府會確保這個新的支援及服務局的服務是到位。如果真的有需要，我們會在資源上再作考慮。

The reporter asked whether the HK$300 million currently earmarked is sufficient.

When we set aside this funding, we allocated approximately HK$100 million as start-up capital. The remaining HK$200 million is intended for the future because this will be a fee-charging service. We hope to continue offering some fee concessions to owners who use the service.

Of course, we will respond to circumstances as they arise. The allocation of funding is not set in stone.

Ultimately, this newly established authority should operate on a self-financing basis. Since the services it provides are intended to assist property owners, those owners will need to pay certain fees.

Given this, we believe that setting aside start-up funding while the authority has yet to generate revenue is an appropriate approach.

Going forward, the government will ensure that the new authority delivers the necessary services effectively. If there is a genuine need, we will reconsider the resources allocated to it.

2. Why did the government take nearly a year to apologise?

記者 Reporter

特首、幾位司局長你好。特首剛才率領一眾官員鞠躬道歉，但這場大火已經發生接近一年。其實這個道歉和問責，是否一年前就應該做，會否覺得自己的道歉來得太遲？特首有沒有說話想對宏福苑的災民說？第二個問題，其實只有一位局長下台，是否能服眾？例如發展局局長或消防處處長，他們是否需要承擔他們的政治責任？

Hello, Chief Executive and secretaries.

You just led a group of officials in bowing to apologise, but the fire occurred almost a year ago.

Should this apology and the accountability measures not have come a year ago? Do you feel that your apology has come too late?

Does the Chief Executive have anything he would like to say to the victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire?

My second question is whether the resignation of just one bureau secretary is enough to satisfy the public.

For example, should the Secretary for Development or the Director of Fire Services also shoulder political responsibility?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

火災發生後，大家都是悲痛難過。我認為，即時的首要任務是拘捕疑犯，不讓他們逃避刑事責任，還死者一個公道；同時，要援助和安置受影響的家庭，為他們的長遠住宿作好安排。

事件在不同階段複雜演變。到了現在這個階段，我認為是適當的時候，代表政府就大火的發生，向災民以及廣大市民表示道歉。政府團隊承擔政治責任，並公布一系列改革。我同時亦啓動部門首長責任制，針對工作有不足和缺失的人員進行調查，以採取所需的紀律行動和行政處分。政府會從事件中汲取教訓，強化領導角色、強化責任擔當、強化公務員以民為本的基本信念，推動改革，進一步加強公務員培訓。

在追責方面，剛才我交代了三方面的追責，包括刑事追責、政治責任承擔和行政問責。對於公務員來說，管理公務員有一套規則和規例，這都是法律。所以，任何公務員犯錯，我們都是以這個管理制度、按法律法規進行。正因如此，我要求公務員敍用委員會成立獨立的調查，搜集針對個人責任的證據，從而向我提出針對各種規管公務員，無論是守則、條例、規例等，在根據事實和證據下作出建議，如何進行紀律懲處和行政處分。所以有關公務員的責任，在敍用委員會調查之後，我們會按公務員管理制度，包括法律法規落實進行。

After the fire, everyone was grieving and distressed. I believe the immediate priorities were to arrest the suspects, prevent them from evading criminal responsibility and secure justice for those who died. At the same time, we had to provide assistance and accommodation to the affected families and make appropriate arrangements for their long-term housing.

The situation has evolved in complex ways through different stages. At this stage, I believe it is the appropriate time for me, on behalf of the government, to apologise to the victims and the general public for the fire.

The government team is assuming political responsibility and announcing a series of reforms.

At the same time, I have activated the Heads of Department Accountability System to investigate personnel whose work involved shortcomings or failings, so that the necessary disciplinary action and administrative sanctions can be taken.

The government will learn lessons from this incident, strengthen leadership, reinforce accountability, strengthen the fundamental people-oriented values of civil servants, pursue reforms and further enhance civil service training.

Regarding accountability, I have just explained its three aspects: criminal accountability, the assumption of political responsibility and administrative accountability.

There is an established set of rules and regulations governing civil servants, which have legal force. Therefore, whenever civil servants make mistakes, we proceed under this management system and in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

That is precisely why I have asked the Public Service Commission to undertake an independent investigation, gathering evidence concerning individual responsibility and making recommendations to me on appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions, based on the facts and evidence and taking into account the various codes, ordinances and regulations governing civil servants.

Therefore, following the Public Service Commission's investigation, we will deal with the responsibility of the civil servants concerned in accordance with the civil service management system, including the relevant laws and regulations.

3. Why must Winnie Ho resign when three other secretaries remain in office?

記者 Reporter

特首、司長、局長，你們好。政治問責方面，特首剛才提及所考慮的因素，包括官員角色、行事表現，以及未來要處理的大量工作等，因此認為何永賢局長需要問責。另外三位局長在你剛才提及的這些因素方面，與何永賢局長有何分別，為何他們不需要承擔政治責任、問責下台？另外亦想問三位局長，可否分別說明就宏福苑大火一事，你們是否需要承擔政治責任，以及如何展現政治承擔？

Hello, Chief Executive and secretaries.

Regarding political accountability, the Chief Executive mentioned earlier the factors he considered, including officials' roles, their performance and the substantial amount of work that needs to be handled in the future. On that basis, you concluded that Secretary Winnie Ho should be held accountable.

How do the other three bureau secretaries differ from Winnie Ho in terms of the factors you mentioned? Why do they not have to shoulder political responsibility and step down?

I would also like to ask the three secretaries individually whether they believe they should shoulder political responsibility for the Wang Fuk Court fire, and how they intend to demonstrate their political accountability.

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

我再次重複我作出的這個政治決定。首先，我第一個決定是政治任命團隊會承擔政治責任。至於如何承擔政治責任，我綜合考慮了多方面的因素，我重複——包括官員在事情的角色、其政策範圍與事件的關係、問題的屬性屬於政策問題或執行問題、其下屬的行事表現，以及政治團隊未來需要處理的大量工作等。考慮到大火發生於宏福苑，是房屋局轄下房屋署獨立審查組負責的管轄範圍，雖然火災不涉及房屋局局長個人犯錯，我認為房屋局局長應該承擔政治責任。

另外，我提出要求：第一，政治團隊繼續於各自的崗位上，就推行的改革及未來需要處理的大量工作中，要全力以赴；第二，汲取教訓，更好發揮領導作用，更大力度落實以結果為目標的施政理念。司局長須向我負責，我這次是綜合考慮所有因素後，作出這個政治決定，這是我的個人政治決定。

Let me repeat the political decision I have made.

First, my initial decision was that the politically appointed team would shoulder political responsibility.

As to how that political responsibility should be shouldered, I comprehensively considered various factors. I repeat: these include the officials' roles in the incident; the relationship between their policy portfolios and the incident; whether the nature of the problems involved policy or implementation; the performance of their subordinates; and the substantial amount of work the political team will need to handle in the future.

Considering that the fire occurred at Wang Fuk Court, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Independent Checking Unit of the Housing Department under the Housing Bureau, I believe that the Secretary for Housing should shoulder political responsibility, even though the fire did not involve any personal wrongdoing by the Secretary for Housing.

In addition, I have laid down two requirements.

First, members of the political team must continue to do their utmost in their respective positions to implement reforms and handle the substantial amount of work ahead.

Second, they must learn lessons, exercise stronger leadership and make greater efforts to implement my results-oriented approach to governance.

Principal officials and bureau secretaries are accountable to me. Having comprehensively considered all the factors, I made this political decision. It is my personal political decision.

4. Was Beijing consulted about the accountability decisions?

記者 Reporter

想問，第一，特區政府就今次問責的決定，有否問過北京的意見？中央對於有否官員下台有否硬指示？另外，就三位局長，包括孫局長、鄧局長和甯局長，覺得自己有否政治責任？剛才亦有記者問過，會否由三位局長自己談談自己可有政治責任？另外，亦想了解為甚麼何局長今次是辭職，而非由特區政府或行政長官免職？

First, did the SAR government seek Beijing's views on its accountability decisions this time? Did the central authorities issue any explicit instructions on whether officials should step down?

Also, regarding the three bureau secretaries — Secretary Sun, Secretary Tang and Secretary Linn — do they believe they themselves bear political responsibility?

Another reporter has already asked whether the three secretaries could speak for themselves about whether they bear political responsibility.

I would also like to understand why Secretary Ho resigned rather than being dismissed by the SAR government or the Chief Executive.

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

首先，今次處理整個宏福苑的後續工作，我作為行政長官是第一責任人，我是香港的當家人，所以是由我決定、作出全面考慮，包括如何在三方面問責、如何盡量支援災民，確保其長遠、適當的住宿安排，以及推行全面改革，不容許類似事件再發生，這是我的決定。另外，我相信你們想提問的三位局長，從我的回答中大家都知道，他們要向我負責。我作出了政治決定，他們要遵從我的政治決定。我亦作出了兩個要求，他們要遵從我的兩個要求，即他們要繼續在自我崗位上推行改革，並在未來大量的工作中全力以赴；另外，他們要吸取教訓，更好地發揮領導作用，更大力度落實以結果為目標的施政理念。針對四個部門，特別是在獨立委員會報告指出的四個相關部門，它們的不足與缺失，當然我感到非常失望。第一，他們沒有履行以民為本；第二，亦沒有履行我要求的以結果為目標的施政理念，我們的施政要為市民帶來裨益。所以，我們會有公務員敍用委員會作獨立調查，我們會嚴肅處理他們每一位真真正正的不足與缺失之處。

First, in handling all the follow-up work concerning Wang Fuk Court, I, as Chief Executive, am the person bearing primary responsibility. I am the person in charge of Hong Kong.

Therefore, it is for me to make the decisions and undertake a comprehensive assessment, including how accountability should be pursued in its three aspects; how best to support the victims and ensure appropriate long-term housing arrangements for them; and how to implement comprehensive reforms so that similar incidents are never allowed to happen again.

These are my decisions.

As for the three bureau secretaries you wish to question, I believe everyone knows from my answers that they are accountable to me.

I have made a political decision, and they must comply with my political decision.

I have also laid down two requirements, and they must comply with both.

They must continue to implement reforms in their respective positions and devote their full efforts to the substantial amount of work ahead.

They must also learn lessons, exercise better leadership and make greater efforts to implement a results-oriented approach to governance.

As for the four departments, particularly the four departments identified in the Independent Committee's report, I am certainly very disappointed by their shortcomings and failings.

First, they failed to put people first.

Second, they failed to implement the results-oriented approach to governance that I require. Our governance must bring benefits to the public.

Therefore, the Public Service Commission will conduct an independent investigation, and we will deal seriously with the actual shortcomings and failings of each of the individuals concerned.

5. Timetable for implementing the Independent Committee's recommendations

記者 Reporter

你好。第一題，請問政務司司長，你將主持督導委員會跟進今次報告的120項建議，請問具體如何開展相關工作？有甚麼優次？時間表如何？第二題，請問律政司司長：你將如何跟進政府會修改的多條法例以推行改革？特別是有關圍標的修例優次，以及時間表如何？

Hello. My first question is for the Chief Secretary for Administration.

You will chair a steering committee to follow up on the 120 recommendations in the report. How exactly will you carry out this work? What are the priorities, and what is the timetable?

My second question is for the Secretary for Justice.

How will you follow up on the government's proposed amendments to various ordinances to implement reforms? In particular, what priority will be given to legislative amendments concerning bid-rigging, and what is the timetable?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

請政務司司長，接着請律政司司長。

The Chief Secretary for Administration, please, followed by the Secretary for Justice.

政務司司長 Chief Secretary Eric Chan

多謝特首。今次委員會提出超過100項建議，這些建議都非常重要，因為切實落實這些建議，絕對有助避免以後同類悲劇發生。

行政長官為了確保這些建議得到落實，已指示我成立一個督導委員會。這個督導委員會的主要工作，就是督導和推展建議的落實工作，這是非常重要的。接着，我們要監督每一項建議措施的落實進度，我們會一個一個地審視。當然，在這些建議中，有部分其實我們已經完成，亦有部分正在進行。

我們務求要盡快推動整體制度的完善和革新。所以，我會要求各政策局及相關部門要迅速、精準、到位地落實這些建議。在落實過程中，我們有幾個目標：第一，制度要做到完善，流程要優化，以及執行要到位。這些落實措施亦要切實可行，以及我們應該要以非常認真、嚴格、有效率的態度，全面推進這些改革。

當然，其中有些措施如果能夠盡早落實，我們會盡早推行。其中有些涉及法例修訂，剛才也提到，我們有六條法例需要修訂，包括《建築物條例》、《建築物管理條例》、《消防條例》、《競爭條例》、《有組織及嚴重罪行條例》及《廉政公署條例》，這些都要作出修訂。

我們會爭取在今年內提交立法會，盡快通過有關修訂。當然，我們希望這些修訂完成後，讓有關部門更有力、更有效地做好預防工作，防止類似悲劇再次發生。

Thank you, Chief Executive.

The Committee has made more than 100 recommendations. These recommendations are all very important because their effective implementation will certainly help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

To ensure that these recommendations are implemented, the Chief Executive has instructed me to establish a steering committee.

The steering committee's principal task is to oversee and advance the implementation of the recommendations. This is extremely important.

We will then monitor the progress of each recommended measure, examining them one by one.

Of course, some of these recommendations have already been implemented, while others are currently being taken forward.

We aim to improve and reform the overall system as quickly as possible.

I will therefore require all policy bureaux and relevant departments to implement these recommendations swiftly, precisely and effectively.

We have several objectives in doing so: to improve the system, streamline procedures and ensure effective implementation.

These measures must also be practicable. We should advance all these reforms comprehensively, with an extremely serious, rigorous and efficient approach.

Naturally, where measures can be implemented early, we will introduce them as soon as possible.

Some measures require legislative amendments. As mentioned earlier, six ordinances need to be amended: the Buildings Ordinance, the Building Management Ordinance, the Fire Services Ordinance, the Competition Ordinance, the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption Ordinance.

We will endeavour to submit the amendments to the Legislative Council within this year and secure their passage as quickly as possible.

We hope that, once these amendments are completed, the relevant departments will be better equipped and more effective in carrying out preventive work, so that similar tragedies can be avoided.

律政司司長 Secretary for Justice Paul Lam

就如何跟進或落實打擊樓宇大型維修圍標行為，最重要的重點工作就是盡快推進立法或修例方面的工作。

正如剛才介紹，我們會盡快修改三條法例，當中重中之重是修改《競爭條例》，加入一項新的刑事罪行。為確保這項新刑事罪行有足夠阻嚇力，並讓相關執法機構有足夠能力蒐集相關證據等，《廉政公署條例》和《有組織及嚴重罪行條例》也會作出相應修改，這是最重要的跟進工作。

律政司的角色——其實也是我們一直在做的工作——是與相關政策局，包括商經局（商務及經濟發展局）、競委會（競爭事務委員會）、廉政公署及警方，商量和研究如何完善這方面的修例工作。相關立法工作也已在推進。

至於時間表，由於《競爭條例》屬於商經局的職權範圍，因此會由商經局牽頭，將很快在很短時間內將具體的立法建議提交立法會相關事務委員會討論，並會盡快作適當諮詢，務求盡快落實修例或訂立新法例的工作。

As for how we will follow up on or implement measures to combat bid-rigging in major building maintenance projects, the most important task is to advance the necessary legislation or legislative amendments as quickly as possible.

As explained earlier, we will amend three ordinances as soon as possible.

The most important of these is the amendment of the Competition Ordinance to introduce a new criminal offence.

To ensure that this new offence has sufficient deterrent effect, and that the relevant law enforcement agencies have adequate powers to gather evidence and so forth, corresponding amendments will also be made to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Ordinance and the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

This is our most important follow-up task.

The Department of Justice's role — which is in fact work we have already been carrying out — is to discuss and examine how these legislative amendments can be improved in collaboration with the relevant policy bureaux and agencies, including the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Competition Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Police.

The relevant legislative work is already progressing.

As for the timetable, since the Competition Ordinance falls within the portfolio of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, that bureau will take the lead.

It will submit concrete legislative proposals to the relevant Legislative Council panel very soon, within a short period, for discussion.

Appropriate consultation will also be conducted as quickly as possible, with the aim of implementing the legislative amendments or enacting new legislation at the earliest opportunity.

6. Why have other bureau secretaries escaped punishment?

記者 Reporter

想問特首，剛才已多次強調何永賢有甚麼不足之處，但其他被報告點名的部門之上同樣有政策局，為何其他局長未受到同樣的懲處或處理手法？第二，想問特首是否全盤接納今次報告？認為哪個部門最難以接受？

I would like to ask the Chief Executive: you have repeatedly emphasised the shortcomings involving Winnie Ho, but the other departments named in the report are also overseen by policy bureaux.

Why have the other bureau secretaries not faced the same punishment or treatment?

Second, does the Chief Executive accept the report in its entirety? Which department's failings do you find the most unacceptable?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

我再次重複我的綜合考慮，倒不如用多些時間去回答其他問題。今次作出的政治責任承擔，我是綜合考慮了一系列因素，並在平衡所有需要考慮的因素後所作出的決定。作出的決定中，我亦提出了兩項要求：第一，我的政治團隊要繼續在其崗位上全力以赴；第二，要汲取經驗，更大發揮領導作用，落實我一向要求的以結果為目標的施政理念。

以結果為目標的施政理念是一個政府文化的改革。要改革政府文化，當然我們有一些成功的地方，但這是一項任重道遠的長期工程，亦是「沒有最好，只有更好」。我必須強調，整體公務員是全心全意、努力工作以服務社會。我們不應僅因今次有關人員的缺失或不足，而抹殺整體公務員的良好表現。特別是報告中亦提及了整體公務員的盡職與勤勉工作態度，亦提及國際評級，政府在此方面被公認在世界上頗有成績。

今次獨立委員會的報告，尤其涉及整體每一位同事履職時的信念。《公務員守則》（《守則》）寫得很清楚，當中有12個基本信念，其中之一便是以民為本。我們亦在《守則》中制定了相關操守準則，提及如何做到以民為本。公務員事務局及公務員學院一向都有將以民為本的理念融入在不同的培訓工作中，但這方面要繼續加大力度，「沒有最好，只有更好」。我亦希望每一位公務員將以民為本的理念融入在工作當中。

我相信今次獨立委員會的報告是平衡且全面交代了公務員在哪方面的良好表現應被承認；在哪些領域、針對哪些人員存在的不足與缺失。我可以肯定地告訴大家，我們會認真處理，絕不姑息。

我亦希望告訴大家，我們認真處理這次事情的部署——第一，過往處理重大事故後的紀律調查，往往需於報告提交數月後方能成立，隨後的調查工作亦相信要六至九個月；但今次我們已預先部署公務員敍用委員會，令我們一公開調查報告，它便可即時啓動調查，以往是需時組織。第二，是次調查我僅給予三個月，三個月是很大的時間壓力。就過往類似的事件，很可能需時六至九個月才能完成，但過往的調查很多時只涉及一個部門，而今次調查涉及四個部門，甚至若調查工作需見更多的人，敍用委員會亦會展開工作。

因此，無論是預先部署辦公室人員，準備就緒今日展開工作，或是於三個月時間處理四個部門所需調查的人員和接見的其他證人，以及需要檢視的大量文件和紀錄，均體現了我們希望盡快就整件事件追究責任和改革。我再次對獨立委員會的工作予以肯定和感謝，亦對公務員敍用委員會的獨立調查有信心。

I will repeat that I have taken all factors into consideration, but perhaps we should spend more time answering other questions.

The decision concerning political responsibility this time was made after I comprehensively considered a series of factors and balanced all the relevant considerations.

In making this decision, I also laid down two requirements.

First, my political team must continue to do its utmost in their respective positions.

Second, they must learn from experience, exercise stronger leadership and implement the results-oriented approach to governance that I have always required.

A results-oriented approach to governance represents a reform of government culture.

In reforming government culture, we have certainly achieved some successes, but it is a long-term undertaking involving considerable responsibilities and a long road ahead. There is no such thing as being the best, only becoming better.

I must emphasise that civil servants as a whole work wholeheartedly and diligently to serve society.

We should not disregard the good performance of the entire civil service simply because of the shortcomings or failings of certain individuals in this incident.

In particular, the report also acknowledges the conscientious and diligent work of the civil service as a whole. It also refers to international rankings under which the government's performance in this respect is widely recognised as being quite successful by global standards.

The Independent Committee's report particularly concerns the values that every colleague should uphold in performing their duties.

The Civil Service Code sets these out very clearly. It contains 12 core values, one of which is putting people first.

We have also established relevant standards of conduct in the Code, specifying how civil servants should put people first.

The Civil Service Bureau and the Civil Service College have consistently incorporated the people-oriented principle into various training programmes.

But greater efforts must continue to be made in this area. There is no such thing as being the best, only becoming better.

I also hope every civil servant will incorporate this people-oriented principle into their work.

I believe that the Independent Committee's report provides a balanced and comprehensive account of the areas where the good performance of civil servants should be recognised, as well as the areas and individuals where shortcomings and failings have been identified.

I can assure everyone that we will deal with these matters seriously and show no tolerance.

I would also like to explain the arrangements we have made to handle this incident seriously.

First, in the past, disciplinary investigations following major incidents often could not be established until several months after a report was submitted. The subsequent investigation itself would then take an estimated six to nine months.

This time, however, we have made advance arrangements for the Public Service Commission so that it can launch its investigation immediately upon publication of the report. Previously, time would have been needed to organise the investigation.

Second, I have allowed only three months for this investigation. Three months represents considerable time pressure.

In similar cases in the past, investigations might have taken six to nine months to complete. Yet many previous investigations involved only one department, whereas this investigation involves four departments.

Furthermore, if the investigation requires interviews with additional people, the Commission will undertake that work as well.

Therefore, whether it is the advance deployment of office personnel so that work can begin today, or the requirement to investigate personnel across four departments, interview other witnesses and examine a large volume of documents and records within three months, all of this demonstrates our determination to pursue accountability and reforms over the entire incident as quickly as possible.

Once again, I affirm and thank the Independent Committee for its work, and I have confidence in the independent investigation to be conducted by the Public Service Commission.

7. Can civil servants escape accountability by retiring?

記者 Reporter

特首、司局長好。剛才提到三個月內會行政問責，即部門責任制，會調查公務員。想問如果他們涉及一些行為不當，但將會退休或臨近退休，會否變成任由他們提早退休便了事？抑或會再有其他方法，追究他們的責任？

Hello, Chief Executive and secretaries.

You mentioned earlier that administrative accountability would be pursued within three months under the Heads of Department Accountability System, involving investigations into civil servants.

If some of those civil servants are found to have engaged in misconduct but are about to retire or are approaching retirement, could they simply be allowed to retire early and that would be the end of the matter?

Or are there other ways of holding them accountable?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

我理解你所問的。稍後，公務員敍用委員會主席和公務員事務局局長會交代。如果我們對於一位即將退休的人員已經採取行動，根據現有的制度，我們是可以不發放退休金給他，是有懲處方法的。不過，細節我交給公務員事務局局長和公務員敍用委員會主席說明。

I understand your question.

The Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Secretary for the Civil Service will explain this in more detail later.

If we have already initiated action against an officer who is about to retire, the existing system allows us to withhold that officer's pension.

There are therefore means of imposing punishment.

However, I will leave the details to the Secretary for the Civil Service and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission to explain.

8. How senior will the accountability investigations go, and was Winnie Ho actually dismissed?

記者 Reporter

特首你好，首先，關於行政問責，接下來會追責到哪個層級的公務員？是否包括常秘？另外，留意到時任勞工處處長和房屋局的常秘都有人事變動，會否追溯時任官員？預計涉及多少名公務員？另外，追問剛才的記者提到，你剛才說何局長向你請辭，這是否真的代表她被中央免職或俗稱「不是被炒」？這是否屬於政治問責下台，並體現高官問責制？另外，特首認為，今次有官員請辭，加上一系列措施，是否有助政府在大火後重建制度威信，並有效恢復市民對你的信心？謝謝。

Hello, Chief Executive.

First, regarding administrative accountability, up to what level of the civil service will responsibility be pursued? Will this include permanent secretaries?

I also note that there have been personnel changes involving the then Director of Labour and the Permanent Secretary for Housing. Will accountability extend retrospectively to the officials who held those positions at the time?

Approximately how many civil servants are expected to be involved?

I would also like to follow up on the earlier reporter's question.

You said that Secretary Ho tendered her resignation to you. Does this mean that she was actually removed from office by the central authorities, or, as people commonly put it, that she was not fired?

Does this count as stepping down under political accountability, and does it demonstrate the operation of the Principal Officials Accountability System?

Finally, does the Chief Executive believe that the resignation of an official, together with the series of measures announced, will help restore the credibility of the government's institutions following the fire and effectively rebuild public confidence in you?

Thank you.

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

首先，我啓動的是部門首長責任制下的行政責任兩級調查機制。顧名思義，部門首長責任制的調查是由最低級至最高級，即部門首長也可以是我們的調查對象。當然，敍用委員會要根據我給予的職權範圍進行調查。我剛才也向大家講述了我給予敍用委員會的職權範圍。我強調，這一點大家在立法會已經討論過，我們建立的部門首長責任制，特別建立的這規例，是可以調查政府最高級的人員。我會相信今次敍用委員會的調查對象人數不少，若純粹看獨立委員會的聆訊及報告，我相信受查人員約有40至50人，而需要會見的人員，包括證人，相信會有更多。我會給予敍用委員會全面自主權，決定如何進行調查，因為法例和規例上已經說明它在規例下如何運作，這是法律訂立的規例。

另外，我已經清楚向大家講述作出這項政治問責決定時所考慮的因素和整個過程。我已開宗明義表明，政治團隊會承擔政治責任。我與何永賢局長會面時談及此事，她提出請辭，願意承擔政治責任。整體政治問責制是由行政長官考慮所有因素而作出的最後政治決定，過程亦已經向大家說明。我亦已根據《基本法》向中央報請，建議免除何永賢的房屋局局長職務，當然最終由中央作出決定。

另外，政府做的事情要務實，需要做的就要做，不是為了任何名聲或其他考慮。政府施政以民為本的理念，就是從市民的本位出發。我提出以結果為目標、施政為市民帶來裨益，也是以民為本的考慮，所以我們推行的大改革和整體布局，都是為了以民為本，確保同類事件不容許再發生。

First, what I have activated is the two-tier investigation mechanism for administrative responsibility under the Heads of Department Accountability System.

As its name suggests, investigations under the Heads of Department Accountability System can cover officials from the lowest to the highest levels. This means that heads of departments themselves may also be subjects of our investigations.

Of course, the Public Service Commission must conduct its investigation in accordance with the terms of reference I have given it.

I have just explained those terms of reference to everyone.

I emphasise that this matter has already been discussed in the Legislative Council. The Heads of Department Accountability System we have established, and the regulations specifically introduced under it, allow investigations into the most senior personnel in the government.

I believe that quite a substantial number of people will be investigated by the Public Service Commission this time.

Judging solely from the Independent Committee's hearings and report, I believe approximately 40 to 50 people will be investigated.

The number of people who will need to be interviewed, including witnesses, will probably be even greater.

I will give the Public Service Commission full autonomy to decide how to conduct its investigation, because the laws and regulations already specify how it operates under those regulations. These are regulations established by law.

Furthermore, I have already clearly explained to everyone the factors I considered, and the entire process involved, in making this political accountability decision.

I stated clearly from the outset that the political team would shoulder political responsibility.

When I met with Secretary Winnie Ho to discuss the matter, she tendered her resignation and expressed her willingness to shoulder political responsibility.

Under the overall political accountability system, the final political decision is made by the Chief Executive after considering all the relevant factors. I have already explained that process to everyone.

I have also, in accordance with the Basic Law, submitted a recommendation to the central authorities that Winnie Ho be removed from her position as Secretary for Housing.

Of course, the final decision rests with the central authorities.

In addition, the government must be pragmatic in what it does.

What needs to be done must be done, not for the sake of any reputation or other considerations.

The principle of putting people first in government policy means approaching matters from the standpoint of the public.

My emphasis on achieving results and ensuring that government policies benefit the public also reflects this people-oriented approach.

Therefore, the major reforms and overall arrangements we are implementing are all intended to put people first and ensure that similar incidents are never allowed to happen again.

9. Mainland accountability precedents, the delayed apology, re-election and district councillors

記者 Reporter

特首你好。想了解你在考慮政治問責時，有否參考過內地做法，比如廣東的江門曾因為防疫而免職副市長在內的官員。大火涉及168條人命，現時下台的官員只是局長，其問責層次是否不夠高？以及你提到現階段是適當時候道歉，為甚麼當時不適當，相信市民更想見到政府的表態，遲了一年才道歉，政府會否姿態太高？你今日多次提到自己是香港當家人，你會否再連任？以及區議員參與樓宇維修和法團事務是否都需要設指引？

Hello, Chief Executive.

I would like to know whether, when considering political accountability, you referred to practices in mainland China.

For example, in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, officials including a deputy mayor were removed from office over epidemic prevention measures.

This fire claimed 168 lives, yet the only official stepping down is a bureau secretary. Is the level of accountability not high enough?

You also said that this is the appropriate time to apologise. Why was it not appropriate to apologise at the time?

I believe the public would have preferred to see the government express its position earlier. By waiting almost a year to apologise, is the government not being too high-handed?

You have repeatedly described yourself today as the person in charge of Hong Kong. Will you seek another term in office?

And should guidelines also be established for district councillors participating in building maintenance projects and owners' corporation affairs?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

第一，問責是分三方面，我再次強調刑事問責、政治問責和行政問責，我亦多次重覆回答同樣問題。

另外，香港有自己的問責制度，香港亦必須考慮自身的環境。剛才我提到的綜合考慮因素，是考慮到我們現時目前各局領域，我必須考慮我作出的決定中的決定性因素。至於，將來官員在政府的角色，以及你所問的問題，不是我們現時要處理的問題，我多次說過，應該做的事，無論在崗位上有幾多日都應該做，這樣才是以為民本，不是以己為本。我的綜合考慮因素是廣泛的，亦是很切實香港的實際情況。

至於哪些人參與，無論是業主委員會、最後在維修的任何環節，或任何角色，都一定要依法辦事。我們亦強調要切斷利益鏈，所以今次我們所針對的不是單一元素而是全面的，同時，我們是修訂六條法例。我們亦向大家說過，今年內我們會提建議。同時處理六條法例，我相信這能表現出我們的決心和認真。

First, accountability has three aspects. I emphasise again: criminal accountability, political accountability and administrative accountability. I have also repeatedly answered the same questions.

Furthermore, Hong Kong has its own accountability system, and Hong Kong must also take its own circumstances into account.

The comprehensive factors I mentioned earlier take into consideration the current responsibilities of our various bureaux.

I must consider the decisive factors underlying the decisions I make.

As for the future roles of officials in the government, and the questions you have raised, these are not matters we need to deal with at present.

As I have said many times, what needs to be done should be done, regardless of how many days an official has left in office.

That is what it means to put the people first, rather than oneself.

The factors I have taken into comprehensive consideration are wide-ranging and closely reflect Hong Kong's actual circumstances.

As for who participates, whether in an owners' committee, at any stage of building maintenance or in any other capacity, everyone must act in accordance with the law.

We have also emphasised the need to break the chains of vested interests.

Therefore, our measures this time do not target just one individual element. They are comprehensive.

At the same time, we are amending six ordinances.

We have also told everyone that we will put forward proposals within this year.

I believe that dealing with six ordinances simultaneously demonstrates our determination and seriousness.

10. Does not seeking re-election count as political accountability, and will the public accept the decision?

記者 Reporter

你好特首。剛才特首多次提到，政治問責是綜合考慮。其實早前有政圈中人表示，不連任已是政治問責。特首今次問責是否有考慮到相關因素？另外，過去一年坊間對政治問責很關注，你如何研判今日香港市民對你們所作決定的觀感，大家會否滿意？

Hello, Chief Executive.

You have repeatedly mentioned that political accountability requires a comprehensive consideration of various factors.

In fact, some people in political circles previously suggested that not seeking another term in office already constitutes political accountability.

Did you take that factor into consideration in making your accountability decision this time?

In addition, political accountability has been a major concern among the public over the past year.

How do you assess how Hong Kong people will perceive the decisions you have made today?

Do you think the public will be satisfied?

行政長官 Chief Executive John Lee

坊間每日有不同的討論，我不評論。我再重複，我所作的決定，是考慮了一系列我認為重要和相關的因素，而作出最後平衡各方元素的政治決定。我所作的這個政治決定，是確保我們在推進所有改革，以及落實不同工作時，能達到最平衡的決定。

每個人對於政府可以有自己的看法。我本着一個心：應該做的就做，盡快做、有效做、做到底。箇中會有困難、有挑戰，畢竟政府涉及的人員數目不少。由我上任四年多前所推動政府文化的改革，不斷有進步，但距離最終目標仍有一段長路。因此，我希望我的團隊會秉承我的理念，落實剛才所述的兩項要求，全力以赴，做好工作。

面對未來的大量工作，一定要以民為本來落實、要以結果為目標來推進。而我希望在改革整個制度，特別是這六條法例的修訂後，我們就從外和內，針對性地確保這次事件不再發生。我們已制定打擊樓宇維修圍標刑事化的措施，成立了特遣隊，以及引用我相信是現行法例下最強大的權力，以打擊圍標行為。這股震懾力將令違法分子不敢再次嘗試以這些非法手段詐騙市民。特遣隊亦必須主動出擊，充分行使權力，令所有嘗試利用樓宇維修工程非法圖利的人打消念頭。

There are different discussions in society every day, and I will not comment on them.

I repeat that the decision I made was based on a series of factors that I considered important and relevant. I reached my final political decision after balancing all those factors.

The political decision I made was intended to ensure that, as we advance all the reforms and implement the various tasks, we achieve the most balanced outcome.

Everyone is entitled to their own views about the government.

I am guided by one principle: do what needs to be done, do it as quickly as possible, do it effectively and see it through to the end.

There will be difficulties and challenges along the way. After all, the government involves a considerable number of personnel.

Since I took office more than four years ago, I have been advancing reforms to government culture, and progress has been made continuously.

However, there is still a long way to go before we reach our ultimate objective.

Therefore, I hope that my team will uphold my philosophy, implement the two requirements I mentioned earlier, give their utmost effort and do their jobs well.

In dealing with the substantial amount of work ahead, implementation must put people first, and progress must be driven by results.

I hope that, through reforming the entire system, particularly by amending these six ordinances, we can take targeted measures both externally and internally to ensure that this incident never happens again.

We have already formulated measures to criminalise bid-rigging in building maintenance projects, established a task force and invoked what I believe are the strongest powers available under existing legislation to combat bid-rigging.

This deterrent effect will make offenders afraid to attempt to defraud members of the public again through these illegal means.

The task force must also take proactive action and make full use of its powers, so that anyone contemplating using building maintenance projects for illegal financial gain will abandon the idea.