Corruption allegations against construction firm at heart of Hung Hom station scandal left out of public report by MTR Corp

Rail operator’s CEO Lincoln Leong says anti-corruption authorities were told about whistle-blower’s claims

But, concerns over possible defamation meant they were left out of one sent to the government

Reading Time:3 minutes

Lincoln Leong, the outgoing CEO of the MTR Corp, arrives at Tsuen Wan Court for the Sha Tin-Central rail link inquiry. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:02am, 12 Dec 2018Updated: 7:02am, 12 Dec 2018

Corruption allegations made against the firm accused of cutting corners in building part of Hong Kong’s most expensive rail project were reported to authorities by the city’s rail operator, but left out of its public report, a commission of inquiry heard on Tuesday.

Lincoln Leong Kwok-kuen, the outgoing CEO of the MTR Corporation, said the claims against Leighton Contractors (Asia) were reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, but not made public as MTR Corp lawyers were concerned some of the claims made by whistle-blower Jason Poon Chuk-hung were defamatory.

The inquiry is investigating allegations that Leighton workers did not properly install steel bars in the platforms at Hung Hom station, part of the new HK$97.1 billion (US$12.4 billion) Sha Tin-Central link, and changed the design of supporting walls without authorisation.

The commission of inquiry is looking into allegations that a construction firm cut corners when building platforms at Hung Hom station. Photo: Winson Wong

The scandal was exposed at the end of May this year, and the MTR Corp interviewed several people for a report submitted to the government on June 15. However, the evidence given by Poon, who worked for subcontractor, China Technology Corporation, was omitted.

When asked by Christopher To, counsel for China Technology, why the rail operator had not included Poon’s testimony in the public report, Leong said it was because the rail operator’s lawyers had concerns.