Tears as watchdog ponders his fate
Ombudsman Andrew So Kwok-wing dissolved into tears yesterday during a radio phone-in.
Mr So, 59, seems unlikely to continue in his post when his contract ends early next year. The job has been advertised and it is not known if Mr So, who, like his predecessor, was appointed by the governor, will apply.
'I don't want to leave. I've been genuinely interested in my work but have to emphasise the Government has the absolute right to appoint anyone,' Mr So said on RTHK Radio 5 when asked if he wanted to stay.
Mr So became emotional after he was thanked by one listener for his work and after he recited two lines from Sung dynasty poet Su Shih's ci on staying together through the journey of life.
He pledged to continue serving the public in other ways after his contract ends.
Mr So, who has been seen several times as a thorn in the Government's side, said: 'Work can't be done without the support of the public and the Government.' Senior Executive Councillor Chung Sze-yuen has criticised Mr So's decision to launch a third inquiry into the airport fiasco.
Mr Chung said it would duplicate the work of the Legco select committee and the Commission of Inquiry. Mr So insisted he was carrying out his duties.
Mr So ruffled more feathers by suggesting the Chief Executive's Office and the Electoral Affairs Commission should fall into his jurisdiction of investigating maladministration.
