CE Defends MTR Boss Over 'ignorant Public' Remarks

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has defended controversial comments made by the MTR Corporation's chairman Frederick Ma.

Ma said over the weekend that it was “pointless” to give more information about the future express rail link to the public, as the media and public aren't rail experts. Then on Monday, he blamed the hot weather and a missed morning prayer for his comments, but insisted he stood by his views.

Speaking to reporters before going into the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lam said she believes Ma hadn't meant to say what he did.

The Chief Executive added that she trusts the company will provide information to the public.

Lam also expressed her confidence that the MTR can complete the trial runs professionally, and the government will work with the company to make sure it is transparent.

The express rail project linking Hong Kong with the mainland has been dogged by controversies, from constitutional issues to construction problems. Ma made the remarks after he was asked about a partial train derailment during tests in April and a series of other issues, such as the unusual wear and tear of wheels.

When asked about the issue later, the Transport Secretary Frank Chan avoided commenting about Ma's remarks.

Instead Chan said the rail operator had always been transparent about the express rail link, especially with the public and the media. He said the the government will urge them to keep it to continue being transparent.

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