Tempers flare at Sha Tin-Central rail link inquiry as whistle-blower tries to introduce new evidence on scandal without prior notice
- Jason Poon was testifying for the first time and produced two photos without earlier informing commission of inquiry
Tempers flared at a high-level inquiry into a construction scandal plaguing Hong Kong’s costliest rail project as a whistle-blower on Monday attempted to introduce new evidence without prior notification.
There was heated exchanges at the commission of inquiry looking into claims of shoddy work at the Hung Hom station of the HK$97.1 billion (US$12.3 billion) Sha Tin-Central link as scandal whistle-blower Jason Poon Chuk-hung gave evidence for the first time.
Lawyers argued over whether Poon should be allowed to produce fresh evidence – two photos – without prior notice to the commission and supporting information.
At one point, inquiry chairman Michael Hartmann, a former non-permanent judge on Hong Kong’s top court, snapped at the lawyers of several parties and argued that if the evidence was important Poon should be given an opportunity to present it in writing.
“I didn’t suggest at any stage that you had indulged in lawyer tricks. I didn’t want a situation where the commission at a later stage will be criticised. I hope I made myself understood,” he told them sternly.