Projects are being delayed and investment held up because officials are afraid to make decisions for fear of being accused of colluding with big business, a property tycoon says.
In today's highly politicised climate, officials would rather do nothing than risk condemnation, New World Development managing director Henry Cheng Kar-shun believes.
He described the attitude of some officials towards developers' applications as, 'there can't be any trouble if you don't deal with it'.
As a result, important projects such as Kai Tak, West Kowloon and Tamar were being stalled and investors discouraged.
Mr Cheng's criticism comes two weeks after New World and partner Sun Hung Kai Properties abandoned plans to convert flats in the controversial Hunghom Peninsula estate into luxury apartments, saying the premium was too high.
His remarks also come amid pledges by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen of 'strong governance' and a determination to press ahead with plans to move government headquarters to Tamar in the face of public opposition.
Mr Cheng also cited what he said was government rigidity in approving commercial makeovers, such as the establishment of restaurants and shops at New World's ferry piers in Central.
