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Hong Kong weighs limits on proxy voters to curb suspected bid-rigging

Hong Kong home affairs director Priscilla To said the government has not decided whether to restrict proxy holders to relatives or owners in the same estate as part of Building Management Ordinance amendments.

Reported · Written up by our desk · China

Hong Kong authorities are still deciding whether to restrict who can serve as a proxy voter at homeowners’ meetings, as proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance aim to curb suspected bid-rigging and strengthen the legitimacy of proxy voting.

Director of Home Affairs Priscilla To Kit-lai said on a television programme that a current practice, where an elderly person living alone appoints a familiar friend from another housing estate, would likely be acceptable for now, but could become harder if additional restrictions are adopted.

To said the government wants to determine whether society considers tighter limits to be overly strict, implying the consultation may affect how owner governance rules are implemented.

The push for changes comes amid heightened scrutiny of building management and owner governance following an independent committee hearing into a fire at Wang Fuk Court that killed 168 people in November, where testimonies alleged bid-rigging and proxy vote collection.

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