Opinion | Officials taking the wrong approach to resolve infant formula shortage

As the saying goes, "Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad". This applies to the way Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his administration are handling the latest scandal involving one of his formerly staunch supporters, Lew Mon-hung. His government is attempting to ride out the scandal by diverting attention to the shortage of infant formula. But it won't work.

Leung and his top officials, such as Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung are all putting on a show. Let's look at their shoddy diversion tactics.

On January 23, following a meeting with health officials, baby formula suppliers stressed there was adequate supply for locals while retailers said they would limit each purchase to four cans.

On January 25, Ko called a second meeting with suppliers. After the session, suppliers again reassured the city of their commitment to ensure adequate supply. Ko once again held off taking action and said the government would monitor the situation. The next day, the only so-called measure introduced was the setting up of an inquiry hotline for the public.

Then, on January 27, the one-man show by Ko continued. This time, he said that although the government would not rule out taking more severe measures, it was worried that they could have negative effects.

Elaborating on his policy address on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong programme, Leung took the credit for being the main advocate of the individual visit scheme that allows residents of more affluent mainland cities to come to Hong Kong as tourists without having to join tour groups. He said that, because of this measure, the mainland has now become Hong Kong's biggest source of tourism income. But, of course, he did not mention how some of these travellers are buying up infant formula here, causing a severe supply shortage for locals.