The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has demonstrated its commitment to uncovering the causes of the deadly blaze that broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po in November 2025, pursuing rigorous and pragmatic follow-up actions to hold accountable those responsible, central government officials said on Thursday.

They made the remarks after Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and principal officials announced sweeping reforms based on lessons learned from the fire.

Plans include criminalizing bid-rigging in building maintenance work, establishing a new public body to assist housing estate repairs and renovations, and other measures aimed at addressing the deep-seated issues.

An article published on Thursday by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, under the pen name Gang Aoping, said the SAR government’s actions effectively address public concerns and fully demonstrate the commitment and courage of a responsible government.

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The article said the SAR government had sought accountability at three levels — with the government apologizing sincerely to the public; promising rigorous follow-up actions on individuals and companies concerned; and activating the Administrative Responsibility Two-tier Investigation Mechanism to look into alleged deficiencies and failings of the civil servants concerned.

The SAR government’s actions have fully highlighted its commitment and courage as “the ones in the driver’s seat and the first to be held accountable” for the city’s governance, the article added.

The moves also reflect the governance philosophy that puts the people first and upholds the rule of law, as well as the resolve to face problems, advance reform, and continuously enhance governance efficacy, the article said.

These efforts will help foster social solidarity, build consensus on reform, enable Hong Kong to better coordinate development and security, and accelerate its transition from stability to prosperity, the article added.

A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR said Lee and the SAR government had led various departments in carrying out disaster relief, rescue operations, and providing assistance to affected residents after the fire.

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The SAR government’s decisions to investigate criminal, administrative, and political accountability of the parties and people involved demonstrate the spirit of the rule of law and ensure that penalties match the offenses, the spokesperson added.

The systemic reforms announced on Thursday further reflected significant progress in the SAR’s governance philosophy and system, laying a solid foundation for better protecting the lives and property of residents and promoting Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that the best way to mourn the deceased is to remember the lessons learned, and the best way to reflect on the incident is to advance reform, and expressed confidence that Lee and the SAR government will lead all sectors of Hong Kong society in uniting the city and moving forward, while continuing to deepen reform and safeguard high-quality development with high-level security.

Contact the writers at gangwen@chinadailyhk.com