The government's oversight of the controversial bottled water procurement may stem from the Government Logistics Department's (GLD) attempt to attract more bidders, according to Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu.
His comments followed the Audit Commission's findings regarding "human errors" in the procurement process for bottled drinking water from Xin Ding Xin.
Speaking on a television program, Hui revealed that the disciplinary investigation is currently led by the experienced Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare Alice Lau Yim.
Regarding GLD's approval of contract changes before verifying Xin Din Xin's water quality testing report with the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre, Hui said GLD might want to encourage participation from more new bidders.
He explained that with new contractors who might not fully understand government procedures, GLD may have approached the matter as a "facilitator."
"However, we are the fundamental gatekeepers and buyers using public funds, and we must be accountable to the public," he stressed.
Acknowledging the shortcomings in the procurement process, Hui highlighted that "strong measures" will be implemented to enhance the department's vigilance and ability to detect deception through clearer instructions.
Hui described the incident as presenting both risks and opportunities, vowing to empower staff better while ensuring they understand and correctly apply their authority.
Hui also confirmed that the recent retirement of former GLD Director Carlson Chan Ka-shun would not affect the investigation, stating that mechanisms are in place to ensure all relevant individuals are given adequate time and notice to explain their actions.
