Hong Kong leader planned to axe ministers far earlier, sources say

Hong Kong’s leader had planned to dismiss his tourism and transport ministers earlier this year due to their poor performance and inability to steer sectors seen as crucial to the city’s reputation and economic growth, government insiders have revealed.

But Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu held off to ensure his administration projected a strong image in the lead-up to the passage of the domestic national security law in March, and when the two ministers failed to show any improvement, he finally axed them on Thursday, they said.

In government circles, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung became known as the two “lethal Hungs”, who were so incompetent they were “killing” the administration.

Yeung was replaced by Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, the previous permanent secretary for housing, while Lam was succeeded by Mable Chan, who previously served as the permanent secretary for transport and logistics.

Lam, a trained civil engineer, was accused of adopting a lax attitude towards the development of the HK$141.5 billion (US$18 billion) three-runway system at the Hong Kong International Airport.

His bureau was also deemed responsible for the public backlash over confusing arrangements for a new electronic toll payment system, as well as the stranding of a large number of tourists at the airport during a typhoon.