Home affairs chief resigns after birthday party scandal — Analysis
A senior member of the Hong Kong authorities has left his publish after breaking Covid tips
Caspar Tsui, Hong Kong’s secretary for dwelling affairs, resigned on Monday amid a scandal over a celebration which he attended.
The social gathering befell earlier than new Covid-19 restrictions got here into pressure, however after Hong Kong chief Carrie Lam had known as on folks to apply social distancing and keep away from giant gatherings.
Tsui was amongst 15 officers who attended the social gathering to rejoice the 53rd birthday of Witman Hung, a metropolis delegate to the nationwide legislature. Two of the 200 company subsequently examined constructive for Covid-19.
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Talking at a information convention on Monday, Lam stated that Tsui had “introduced the Hong Kong authorities into disrepute” and “didn’t meet the expectations of most people.”
“I accepted his resignation,” she added.
In an announcement, Tsui admitted that he had made the improper choice by attending the January 3 bash. “As one of many principal officers taking the lead within the anti-epidemic combat, I’ve not set one of the best instance,” he stated.
Lam additionally introduced that two different officers who attended the social gathering – Allen Fung, a political assistant to the secretary for improvement, and Vincent Fung, an official within the Coverage Innovation and Co-ordination Workplace – could be reprimanded and given verbal warnings.
An investigation had cleared 12 different authorities officers who went to the perform, she added, noting that they solely attended briefly.
Hong Kong is at present experiencing a spike in Covid-19 infections following a chronic interval with none native infections. Amid harsh new restrictions, legislation enforcement issued a cull on hamsters after a number of of the rodents have been discovered to be contaminated with the virus.
Tsui is just not the one politician to suffer from a scandal-ridden celebration; British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been put below stress to resign amid allegations that he broke his personal Covid guidelines. One accusation considerations an alleged celebration; ministers have insisted the PM was merely offered with a cake by colleagues at Downing Avenue.
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