MTR's 'independent' panel to probe cross-border rail delay branded a 'silly' idea

The MTR board has set up an "independent" committee of non-executive directors to review management of the delayed cross-border express railway and find out why it was not briefed earlier on the problems.

This was announced yesterday as Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said officials would examine internal documents so they could brief lawmakers next month.

MTR chairman Dr Raymond Chien Kuo-fung said: "Board members feel there is a need to conduct a more detailed assessment of the causes of the delay, and why the impacts on the opening date and budget had not been clearly highlighted to the board."

But the announcement did not placate legislators, who have slammed the corporation for not disclosing the delay earlier.

Wu Chi-wai, of the Democratic Party, said the committee was independent in name only and its establishment was "silly".

"The board is at fault as well [for not knowing] about the delay earlier," he said, urging the government to launch its own probe.