Discrimination watchdog chief ‘not quitting’ in wake of scandal
Government sources say Alfred Chan has not shown any sign that he will step down following moonlighting controversy
There will be “no interference” in the operation of the Equal Opportunities Commission and its new chairman – embroiled in a moonlighting scandal – has shown no signs of quitting, government sources have said.
The information came as Dr Lam Ching-choi was announced to take over Alfred Chan Cheung-ming’s previous position as chairman of the Elderly Commission, while Chan left to head up the discrimination watchdog.
His three-year term started on April 11, which was also the day the scandal was revealed.
“We won’t meddle in the dealings between the Lingnan University and Professor Alfred Chan,” a government source said, and the administration would not interfere in the operation of the commission, nor in the performance of its chairman because it was an independent statutory body.
“Professor Chan was chosen as the commission chairman after a stringent selection process. We hope he can discharge his duties properly,” the source continued.
Another government source said the incident was not serious enough to spark Chan’s resignation, and that the administration had not seen any sign that he was planning to quit.
Meanwhile, NGO Haven of Hope chief executive officer, Lam, who officially took up Chan’s position at the Elderly Commission yesterday, said he endeavoured to lead the advisory body to prepare for the release of two major reports – one to do with an elderly residential care voucher scheme, another on long-term planning for elderly services in the city. He was previously the vice-chairman of the commission.
Lam also refuted criticisms by some NGOs that the Elderly Commission could not “make the government” take their suggestions, being a non-statutory advisory body.
“Compared to some of the other advisory bodies, the government had been quite respectful to the suggestions made by the Elderly Commission,” he said. “Of course the commission would usually be a few steps ahead, because the government has more things to consider ... but the government usually honoured the suggestions made.”
