New rules on conflict of interest ‘full of holes’

Lawmakers say new guidelines concerning conflict of interest involving ministers are flawed because they fail to stipulate penalties for a failure to comply.

Last year an independent committee chaired by former chief justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang suggested that any political appointee who failed to declare his or her interests might be subject to punishment ranging from a warning to suspension.

Li's panel also said that the chief executive should be covered by the same rules regarding the acceptance of advantages.

Again, this recommendation was not taken up.

Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok said that as the new rules did not mention any punishment, it would do little to improve the system.

Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing said: "The administration should clarify in a press conference how it will enforce the new guidelines and why certain suggestions recommended by Justice Li were not accepted."

Former civil service minister Joseph Wong Wing-ping said he was worried because ministers who thought they might have a conflict of interest would not have to tell the public.