Top-level apologies over high-speed rail debacle fail to pacify lawmakers

An apology from the transport minister failed to quell mounting criticism in the legislature over a two-year delay in the high-speed rail link to Guangzhou.

Lawmakers from both the pan-democratic and Beijing-loyalist camps ramped up calls for the minister, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, to take responsibility for the HK$67 billion project, which is tainted by accusations of lying and a cover-up.

The increasing pressure on Cheung included calls from two pan-democrats for him to resign, and pledges by a pro-establishment party as well as the pan-democratic party where he was once vice-chairman to back a Legislative Council investigation. An executive councillor also said Cheung had clearly made "a grave error in judgment".

That was despite Cheung's public apology yesterday for his poor handling of the construction delay and not telling legislators about it.

"I should have told lawmakers … back" on November 22, Cheung said at a meeting of the Legco railways subcommittee. "I apologise to Legco and members of the public. I am willing to bear the criticism."

Asked repeatedly by lawmakers to quit, he said: "I feel remorseful for the incident. After years in politics, I understand that politicians have to face various challenges and choices. I have been reflecting."