The head of the Electoral Affairs Commission, David Lok, has been tasked to lead an independent committee to look into the cause of the deadly fire in Tai Po, with the panel expected to draw up a report on its findings within nine months.

Lok, who's also a High Court judge, is joined by outgoing insurance-sector lawmaker Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation chairman Rex Auyeung.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Chief Executive John Lee said he has given the committee flexibility to streamline procedures and apply judicial powers normally granted to an inquiry commission in specific areas.

"If the independent committee considers, while examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commission of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent committee to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.

The committee is set to look into the cause and circumstances surrounding the devastating blaze that has claimed at least 160 lives, examine fire safety installations, and review the roles and responsibilities of supervisory personnel including government officers and authorised professionals, among other things.

Lee also said the three-person panel will "examine whether there are systemic problems such as undue connected interests, conflicts of roles, or improper collusion" in large-scale building maintenance and renovation, while reviewing existing regulations and drawing up recommendations.

The CE stressed authorities would go to great lengths in probing the deadly fire, saying anyone found responsible – whether they are government officials or not – would be held accountable.

Lok said he's thankful for the chief executive's trust in him.

"Nine months is a very challenging time frame. We can only assure the public that we'll try our very best to complete our job, which is very important for the benefit of Hong Kong," he told reporters at a separate briefing.

The judge added that his latest role clearly takes priority over his chairmanship of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and he may consider resigning from the commission if necessary.
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Last updated: 2025-12-12 HKT 17:52