Independent committee to review fire

December 2, 2025

Chief Executive John Lee:

I have identified a large number of areas where issues should be addressed because this tragic fire reflects significant lapses in the building works, from construction to supervision, with multiple points of failure. We must implement systemic reform. 

And the issues identified include:

First, the safety requirements, standards, supervision and routine maintenance system for construction works.

Second, systemic issues in the construction process, such as inappropriate connected interests, conflicts of roles and corrupt collusion. 

Third, establishing an up-to-date list of materials for which safety standards are properly set, (ensuring) their review and updating, (and) the required verification and testing systems. 

Fourth, examining the roles and responsibilities of regulatory personnel across all stages of the project chain, including government departments and authorised professionals.

Fifth, issues of corruption, bid-rigging and irregular tendering in building maintenance projects. 

Sixth, the supervision and responsibility of the installation and effective operation of fire safety systems in buildings. 

Seventh, accountability related to the above areas in the fire in Tai Po. 

And eighth, the adequacy or otherwise of legislation and penalties.

I call for a thorough investigation and serious reform. We will overcome the obstacles of vested interests, (and) pursue accountability regardless of who he or she is. We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living.

Therefore, while criminal and fire investigations are proceeding continuously, I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. 

To ensure the committee's independence and credibility, I will invite a judge to lead its work. I shall liaise with him to define its detailed terms of reference, and at the same time I will explore ways to assist in supporting the committee's operational efficiency, such that the Government can provide more detailed information or carry out some work on its direction so as to enable it to complete its task efficiently and submit a report early to the Chief Executive with recommendations to assist the Government to make the reform.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

In view of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Chief Executive John Lee said today he will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Ahead of the Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee said he has identified a large number of areas where issues should be addressed as the fire reflected significant lapses in building works, from construction to supervision, with multiple points of failure.

“We must implement systemic reform. And the issues identified include: First, the safety requirements, standards, supervision and routine maintenance system for construction works.

“Second, systemic issues in the construction process, such as inappropriate connected interests, conflicts of roles and corrupt collusion.

“Third, establishing an up-to-date list of materials for which safety standards are properly set, ensuring their review and updating, and the required verification and testing systems.

“Fourth, examining the roles and responsibilities of regulatory personnel across all stages of the project chain, including government departments and authorised professionals.

“Fifth, issues of corruption, bid-rigging and irregular tendering in building maintenance projects.

“Sixth, the supervision and responsibility of the installation and effective operation of fire safety systems in buildings.

“Seventh, accountability related to the above areas in the fire in Tai Po.

“And eighth, the adequacy or otherwise of legislation and penalties.”

The Chief Executive called for a thorough investigation and serious reform, saying that the Government will overcome the obstacles of vested interests, and pursue accountability regardless of who is involved.

He stressed that the Government must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living.

Mr Lee announced the setting up of an independent committee to review the fire, while criminal and fire investigations continue separately. He will invite a judge to lead the committee's work, ensuring its independence and credibility.

“I shall liaise with him to define its detailed terms of reference, and at the same time I will explore ways to assist in supporting the committee's operational efficiency, such that the Government can provide more detailed information or carry out some work on its direction so as to enable it to complete its task efficiently and submit a report early to the Chief Executive with recommendations to assist the Government to make the reform.”