Laws apply equally to all - even tycoons

The disclosure that some tycoons illegally erected gates on public roads outside their secluded residences has fuelled public anger. Little of this was known until recent newspaper reports revealed that the 'private' roads behind these ornate barriers to public entry were in fact free for anyone to use. The issue raised is a serious one. It is not just a case of land abuse. It touches the fundamental question of whether the rich and powerful can put themselves above the law in Hong Kong.

Despite challenges from the authorities, some property owners still blatantly refuse to take remedial action. By the deadline last week only two of the six tycoons had complied with the order to have the gates removed, or had expressed an intention to do so. The reason for non-compliance, as explained by one of them, is baffling. Tong Yun-kai, the Confucian Academy president, said the gate leading to his house in Shek O Road was erected to 'keep peace and quiet' and therefore could not be removed. He denied he was greedy and said he did not mean to break the law. And he was asking the government to rent the land. Separately, some houses were found to have tennis and badminton courts built on government land without authorisation. It remains unclear whether any restoration work is being planned.

Such 'privatisation' of public space has fuelled concerns similar to those involving illegal structures found across the city. Earlier, the chief executive, senior officials and lawmakers were found to have flouted the law in installing unauthorised fixtures at their apartments and village houses. Although all have promised to have them removed, some have recently restored the illegal structures, according to media reports. Occupying government land without authorisation is no different from installing illegal structures at one's home. Both are illegal and must not be allowed to stand. No one is above the law. The government should energetically enforce the law with a zero tolerance approach.