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Editorial
Latest lawmaker letdown a reminder that accountability matters
William Wong Kam-fai’s resignation highlights that those vested with power in Hong Kong carry the highest expectations of society
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Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Accountability applies first and foremost to those in public office. It would seem, therefore, that the political fate of William Wong Kam-fai was sealed soon after news of his arrest for alleged drink-driving and a hit-and-run accident came to light on Wednesday. The lawmaker rightly resigned from the Legislative Council on Friday.
The Election Committee lawmaker and associate dean at the Chinese University’s engineering faculty said he felt overjoyed and proud when he posted photos online of himself attending activities in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the city’s reunification with the motherland on July 1. It turned out that he had been arrested in connection with the accident on Monday evening.
A source said the 66-year-old allegedly drove away after he lost control of his car which hit a stationary vehicle at a staff residence on campus. He reportedly returned later and failed a breathalyser test after a security guard reported the incident to the police. He has been granted bail and must report to the police in late July. He also failed to report the case to Legco as required under the new code of conduct. The university has suspended him from administrative duties.
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