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The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, announced today (May 27) that the Government has recently decided that the bureau will take over and lead the investigation into the Marine Department, in the light of the collision of vessels near Lamma Island on October 1, 2012, in order to ensure the procedural integrity and impartiality of the investigation.
Speaking at the meeting of the Economic Development Panel of the Legislative Council today, Professor Cheung said the investigation will be conducted by the Permanent Secretary (Transport) of the bureau.
Professor Cheung said he understands members of the public are very concerned about the accountability issues. Currently, the Police have laid charges against the two coxswains in connection with the vessel collision incident. With respect to the mentioning in the Commission of Inquiry report that there might have been problems with Marine Department officers in carrying out their duties in the past, including possible maladministration and neglect of duty, Professor Cheung said he had earlier directed the Director of Marine to immediately carry out a comprehensive investigation in strict accordance with established procedures in the civil service.
"I have lately reviewed the situation. Having taken all factors into consideration, in order to ensure the procedural integrity and impartiality of the investigation, it is now decided that the Transport and Housing Bureau will take over and lead the investigation. It will be conducted by the Permanent Secretary (Transport)," he said.
He emphasised that the investigation will be conducted in a fair and serious manner. In the case that the investigation uncovers any officers, irrespective of their ranks, that might be involved in violations of rules and regulations or issues relating to management responsibilities, the Administration will handle the cases impartially, including taking disciplinary action. Cases that are found to involve possible criminal offences will be reported to the law enforcement agencies for follow-up.
Regarding the motion, which requested the Administration to conduct the investigation independently and professionally, passed by the Economic Development Panel members today, Professor Cheung said he understood the Legislative Council members' requests. He stressed that under the new arrangement, the investigation will now be conducted by officers outside the Marine Department. But he said that at the same time the Administration must take into account the requirements by the established procedures in the civil service. In the case that the investigation leads to any disciplinary action, there will be disciplinary proceedings. He added that the Administration would look into ways on how to arrange for professional participation in the investigation.
Ends/Monday, May 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:02
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