The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region needs to stop people with vested interests in order to prevent tragedies like the Tai Po fire disaster from happening again, the city’s leader stressed on Tuesday.

The Wang Fuk Court blaze, which have claimed 151 lives so far, had revealed failures at various stages and serious actions must be taken to plug all the loopholes so that those who are responsible will be accountable, John Lee Ka-chiu said while talking to the media before the weekly Executive Council meeting.

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Highlighting that some system failures, which may have been accumulating over years, will be addressed, he pointed out that the government needed to reform the system and ensure vested interests will not be allowed to be a factor that causes this tragedy.

The Hong Kong leader outlined eight areas to be addressed, including roles of regulatory bodies; issues of corruption, bid-rigging and irregular tendering in building maintenance projects; the installation and effective operation of fire safety systems in buildings; the adequacy of legislation and penalties; and accountability in the fire.

A judge-led independent committee will be established and an investigation report with recommendations will be completed to assist the government to implement the reform, he said.

"We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living," he added.