Budget overruns, HKeToll delay, overcrowding ports - Lam's controversy during his term

Former Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung has been facing pressure during his tenure for some controversial initiatives, including the implementation of the HKeToll which was slammed by drivers for being hasty and complex, resulting in postponement.

Lam was also criticized for the budget overruns in a number of infrastructure projects, notably the Sha Tin T4 Trunk Road project which was estimated to cost approximately HK$7.1 billion -- far exceeding the HK$1.1 billion proposed. The request was eventually revised to HK$6.81 billion, which was approved by the Finance Committee in May.

He was also slammed for causing travelers to become stranded at the airport when typhoon Koinu hit Hong Kong last year due to insufficient preparation and arrangements. Lam later acknowledged the need to optimize crowd management at the airport.

One more incident came after the New Year's Eve fireworks, as hundreds of mainland visitors struggled through the night trying to get home after the display. 

Long lines at the cross-border bus station and overcrowding at the Huanggang Port showed the handling capacity fell short of meeting the sudden surge in travelers. This prompted the SAR government to implement 24-hour operations at the Shenzhen Bay Port during the Lunar New Year for crowd dispersal.

Lam, like the other outed secretary Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, was slammed for the poor management of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal last August, particularly regarding inadequate public transport for the growing number of visitors.