CE to launch MTR inquiry

June 12, 2018

Chief Executive Carrie Lam:
The problems associated with the steel works in the platform of the Hung Hom Station under the Shatin to Central Link project as reported by the media in late May have attracted widespread public concern. As it concerns public safety, I have decided to appoint a commission of inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance, that is Chapter 86 of the Laws of Hong Kong, to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation. Under the Ordinance, the commission is to be appointed by the Chief Executive in Council, which will also determine its composition, its terms of reference etc. We will consult the Executive Council on the matters as soon as possible. At this stage, we believe that the commission should examine the cause and assess the extent of the problems. The commission should also, having regard to the problems, review the works supervision system of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation as well as the mechanism under which the Government monitors and controls such works, with a view to making recommendations to safeguard the quality of works as well as safety. I’m pleased to say that with the full support of the Chief Justice, Mr Geoffrey Ma, we have already obtained the agreement of the former Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Justice Michael Hartmann, to head the commission of inquiry if so approved by the Chief Executive in Council. As you may remember, Justice Hartmann was the Chairman of the Independent Expert Panel set up by the Government in 2014 to review the project delay relating to the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and is hence well versed in railway-related matters in Hong Kong. We hope that the commission can submit its report in about six months’ time after its commencement of work, so that the truth can be unveiled as soon as possible.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam plans to appoint a former Court of Final Appeal judge to head an inquiry into construction problems with the Hung Hom Station platform of the Shatin to Central Link project.

Speaking to reporters before attending today's Executive Council meeting, Mrs Lam said the issue has attracted widespread concern and is a matter of public safety.

The independent and comprehensive investigation will examine the causes and assess the extent of the problems, she said.

It will also review the Mass Transit Railway Corporation's works supervision system as well as the mechanism which the Government uses to monitor and control such works to make recommendations to safeguard the quality of works and safety.

Former Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal Justice Michael Hartmann will head the inquiry once approved by the Chief Executive in Council.

Mrs Lam said: "Justice Hartmann was the Chairman of the Independent Expert Panel set up by the Government in 2014 to review the project delay relating to the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and is hence well versed in railway-related matters in Hong Kong.

"We hope that the commission can submit its report in about six months' time after its commencement of work, so that the truth can be unveiled as soon as possible."