The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA), Miss Alice Mak, informed Tuen Mun District Council (DC) member Mr Kenneth Yip Kat-kong in writing today (September 9) that, in light of his dangerous driving conviction, which constituted misconduct, his functions and duties as a DC member shall be suspended for one week.
 
     The SHYA appointed a supervisory committee on July 18 pursuant to section 72C of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) to investigate the alleged misconduct of Mr Yip. The supervisory committee submitted a report to the SHYA on September 1. After considering the evidence related to the misconduct, the negative impact of the incident on DC members, DCs and the Government's reputation and credibility, as well as Mr Yip's written representation, the supervisory committee concluded that Mr Yip's dangerous driving conviction constituted misconduct and recommended suspending Mr Yip's functions and duties as a DC member for one week.
 
     Pursuant to section 72D of the Ordinance and the Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Members of the District Councils, and after considering the report of the supervisory committee, the SHYA concurred with the supervisory committee's opinions that Mr Yip's dangerous driving conviction constituted misconduct, and decided to suspend his functions and duties as a DC member for one week. For the period of suspension, he shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration or allowances, including end-of-service gratuity, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for the operating expenses incurred, e.g. office rentals and staff salaries, during the period.
 
     Miss Mak said, "This is the first time the Government has investigated and imposed sanctions on a DC member for misconduct in accordance with the performance monitoring mechanism for DC members under the improved district governance. The Government places strong emphasis on the conduct and integrity of DC members, and they should conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with public expectations and commensurate with the reputation of the DC and its members. The Government will continue to monitor the performance of DC members to ensure that every DC member upholds their duties to serve the people. The Government would also like to express gratitude to the five members of the supervisory committee for their work and opinions on the case."
       
     Mr Yip will be suspended from his functions and duties as a DC member from tomorrow (September 10) to September 16 (both dates inclusive). The DC website has been updated accordingly for public information.

Ends/Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:00

NNNN