InvestHK chief Mike Rowse will have a showdown with his government employers in court tomorrow over the HK$100 million Harbour Fest fiasco.
Mr Rowse was fined HK$156,660 - equivalent to a month's salary - for his role in the event, which was part of a HK$1 billion programme to revive the economy after the Sars outbreak in 2003.
Harbour Fest - a collaboration by InvestHK and the American Chamber of Commerce, and controlled by the Relaunch Hong Kong Strategy Group - brought a number of high-profile international music acts to Hong Kong for a series of concerts, including the Rolling Stones and Neil Young.
But ticket sales were disappointing and the handling of the HK$100 million in funding led to Mr Rowse facing a disciplinary hearing in November 2005 on five charges for his role in the event.
He was found guilty of failing to ensure the budget for the event was critically examined before its submission for approval by the Economic Relaunch Working Group. Four other allegations, including failing to protect government interests in the use of public funds, were found to be partially substantiated.
Some lawmakers and public figures have expressed concern that Mr Rowse was made a scapegoat for the event while senior government figures involved in the strategy group escaped unscathed.
Along with the fine, Mr Rowse received a severe reprimand and warning. An appeal against the disciplinary action in 2006 was dismissed.
