Real Estate Sector Lawmaker Lashes Out At Govt

Lawmaker Abraham Shek, who represents the real estate sector, unleashed a scathing attack on the government as he ripped into the measures announced by the Chief Executive to ease housing problems in the city.

The pro-establishment lawmaker lashed out at the government, saying it should not try to enter the property market as it will affect market confidence. "It is not for the government to meddle with the market forces," he said,

Shek was especially harsh on Housing and Transport Secretary Frank Chan.

"The government thinks that they know everything, especially our secretary Frank Chan. What has he done? MTR, Express Rail, HK$20 billion in excess, three years delay. Central-Shatin Link, they have to come to Legco to ask for money. Delay, delay, delay," said Shek.

He was equally unforgiving about the city's public housing policy. "Since this government came to power, people have to wait for five years, four months to be resettled in the public housing. Is this what we can accept?"

Shek also questioned why the government is coming up with its plans now. "This is the third CE report. Why wait till the third report to resolve this problem? How many more years does the CE have?" he asked.