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Matthew Cheng

Hong Kong’s legislature may review and tighten its code for members in light of the resignation of a lawmaker arrested for alleged drink-driving and failing to report an accident, its president has said.
“We routinely review the code for Legislative Council members, usually during the latter stage of the term,” Starry Lee Wai-king said on Monday.
“This incident will definitely serve as an important reference if we consider amending the code in the future.”
William Wong Kam-fai, a lawmaker and associate dean of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s faculty of engineering, was arrested on June 29 after crashing his vehicle into two parked private cars on campus. Wong, 66, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident.
He resigned from the legislature on Friday amid the scandal. The university also suspended him from his administrative duties.
The South China Morning Post previously learned that Wong had failed to report his arrest to Legco in a timely manner, as required under the code.
Lee, who declined to comment on the specifics of the case, stressed that all lawmakers must strictly comply with the code and report such incidents as soon as reasonably possible.
She added that the legislature’s Supervisory Committee had been closely monitoring the case due to widespread public concern, emphasising that it did not wait for formal complaints before following up on lawmakers’ misconduct.
Lee reiterated that every lawmaker should be mindful of the public’s high expectations and perform their duties more prudently and earnestly.
Taking effect this term, the code categorises lawmakers’ misconduct into three levels – minor, serious and gross. Those found guilty of misconduct may face penalties ranging from written warnings to suspension and pay deductions, following an investigation by the Supervisory Committee.
Wong sits on multiple committees under the government, public organisations and enterprises.
In response to SCMP queries, a spokesman for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data confirmed that Wong had resigned from its standing committee on technological developments. The panel advises the commissioner on the effects of technological advancement on privacy and personal data.
Wong also serves as chairman of the vetting committee for the government’s “IT Innovation Lab in Schools” programme. The SCMP has asked the authorities whether he will remain in the position.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau declined to comment on whether Wong would continue to serve on its vetting committee for the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme.
Meanwhile, CLP Power declined to comment on whether Wong would continue serving as vice-chairman of its Customer Consultative Group.

Separately, Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Monday that the force would enforce the law impartially, regardless of the background of anyone arrested.
He said Wong’s case was still under investigation and declined to disclose further details, adding that police would consult the Department of Justice and lay charges where appropriate.
Chow pledged that police would pursue the case professionally and swiftly.
Wong said on Friday that he was “deeply sorry” for the trouble he had caused to both the legislature and society, announcing his resignation “to avoid affecting the operation” of Legco.
The government said on Saturday that it would maintain communication with the Electoral Affairs Commission on arrangements for a by-election to fill the vacancy.
Wong is also a delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body. He has not indicated whether he will resign from or remain in the body.


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Hong Kong politics

William Wong resigned as a lawmaker on Friday. Photo: Handout

Police chief Joe Chow says William Wong’s case is still under investigation. Photo: Elson Li

Legco president Starry Lee says the code for members is routinely reviewed. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong Legco chief urges higher standards after lawmaker’s drink-driving arrest

Legislative Council president Starry Lee says William Wong’s case has sparked intense discussion in society as she reminded members of the high expectations the public has of them. Photo: Dickson Lee

William Wong has been suspended from his role at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has resigned from Legco after his drink‑driving arrest. Photo: Handout

William Wong becomes first to resign from Legco over scandal in 26 years

Lawmaker William Wong has also been suspended by CUHK. Photo: Handout

The previous lawmaker to resign over a scandal was Gary Cheng, who quit shortly after winning a seat in September 2000. Photo: SCMP

Lawmaker William Wong failed to tell Legco about arrest, set for committee probe

Lawmaker Wong Kam-fai attends the handover flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

Ronny Tong (pictured) has said that if Wong drove away from the scene in an attempt to lower his blood alcohol concentration or avoid a breathalyser test, it could amount to perverting the course of justice. Photo: Sun Yeung

Lawmaker William Wong says sorry after arrest over CUHK drink-driving crash

Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong attends a handover anniversary event on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

The accident happened at a Chinese University car park. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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Hong Kong

Politics

Wong was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident late last month


Wong was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident late last month.


Legco could tighten members’ code after William Wong drink-driving case: Starry Lee

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Wong was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident late last month

Wong was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident late last month