The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s follow-up actions to hold accountable those responsible for the deadly Tai Po blaze were rigorous and pragmatic, and provide fitting penalties for the offenses, according to an article published by the central office overseeing Hong Kong and Macao’s affairs on Thursday.

The article, published 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 of Gang Aoping, said that the HKSAR government’s actions effectively address public concerns and fully reflect a responsible government’s commitment and courage.

It came after the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, together with several principal officials, announced sweeping reforms over the fire while unveiling a report by an independent committee tasked with investigating the November 2025 tragedy.

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During the news conference on Thursday afternoon, the SAR government released the report, along with accountability matters and reform measures. Lee and the officials flanking him apologized to the public for the tragic fire, made decisions on criminal prosecutions, administrative accountability, and political responsibility based on the report, and simultaneously proposed systemic reform measures targeting the deep-seated issues revealed in the report.

The article said the SAR government had sought accountability and responsibility across three-level – with government apologizing sincerely to the public and vowing rigorous follow-up actions on individuals and companies concerned, as well as activating the Administrative Responsibility Two-tier Investigation Mechanism to look into alleged deficiencies and failings of the civil servants concerned and holding a principal official concerned accountable for political responsibility over the issue.

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

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It also fully reflects the governance philosophy of putting the people first and upholding the rule of law, combined with the resolve and determination to bravely face problems, deeply advance reform, and continuously enhance governance efficacy. This 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 continued.