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In response to media enquiries, the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (May 2):
When considering to invite Professor Lee Chack-fan as the chairperson of the independent expert panel to examine the delay of the works of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL Hong Kong Section), we took into account his ample experience in the engineering sector and participation in many large-scale infrastructure projects. He is well-respected by the international engineering profession.
We were not aware that Professor Lee has been an independent non-executive director of Paul Y. Engineering Group Limited since February 2013 when making reference to information on him. He also did not mention his involvement in the company when we approached him. The company was awarded two works contracts relating to XRL Hong Kong Section in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Appointments to the independent expert panel have not been formally made. Following our discussion with Professor Lee, he offered to withdraw from the independent expert panel and we accepted.
We will firm up suitable candidates and form the independent expert panel as soon as practicable.
Ends/Friday, May 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:23
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