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The Chief Executive today (Thursday) announced the publication of the report submitted by the Director of Audit. The report deals with the examination on whether Mr Wong Ho-sang, in the period since April 24, 1996, as Commissioner of Inland Revenue, has personally dealt with tax returns or submissions made or represented by a company owned by Mr Wong's wife and whether the relevant Ordinances and internal directions and instructions have been duly observed.
The findings of the Director of Audit's report reveal that Mr Wong has dealt with seven cases in which his wife's firm acted as the tax representative or consultant of the taxpayers concerned. The Director of Audit cannot find evidence that the due collection of public moneys has been put at risk or that the relevant Ordinances have not been duly observed in the completed cases. However, Mr Wong failed to report his ownership of a subscriber share in a private company, to avoid direct involvement in the cases and to avoid or report any possible conflict of interest in accordance with the requirement of the prevailing Civil Service Regulations.
Having considered the Director of Audit's report, the circumstances of the case and Mr Wong's explanations, Acting Chief Secreatary for Administration has decided to revoke the appointment of Mr Wong as Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the Secretary for the Civil Service, in consultation with the Secretary for the Treasury, has decided to terminate the employment of Mr Wong with immediate effect (August 19, 1999) in accordance with the provisions of Mr Wong's contract of employment. Mr Wong has been advised of the decision.
Mrs Agnes Sin Law Yuk-lin, Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue will continue to act as Commissioner of Inland Revenue pending formal appointment to the post is decided.
End/Thursday, August 19, 1999
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