Lawmaker's less costly solution to ex-leader Lam's office problem

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun has suggested that the government buy a whole floor of an office building in Wan Chai North for a former city leader instead of renting an Admiralty office.

This comes after it came out that former chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's office in Pacific Place cost more than HK$22 million of taxpayers' money over the last two years.

Speaking on radio yesterday, Tien said office buildings in Wan Chai North, such as Great Eagle Centre and Harbour Centre, also enjoy nice sea views and high security while the rents are only half of that of an office in Admiralty.

"I think Wan Chai North still fits Lam's identity. Those offices also have a spectacular sea view," he said, adding that renting a Wan Chai North office can help the government save up to HK$5 million annually.

Tien said the government once said rent for Lam's office was HK$377,000 a month, meaning HK$4.5 million a year, and the lease term would be three years - expiring mid-next year.

However, when Administration Wing officials replied to lawmakers' questions on Monday, they said the annual rent for 2023-24 has gone up 28 percent to HK$5.67 million.

According its website, the government sets up offices for former city leaders following the completion of their terms, allowing them to conduct activities.

Given that the office of former chief executives on Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels, can only accommodate three former leaders, Lam sought another site.

Director of Administration Millie Ng Kiang Mei-nei said in yesterday's special Legislative Council finance committee meeting that the rent did not increase during the lease term.

She said the office was set up in mid-2022 and the expenditure in 2022-23 only covered the cost of nine months, and expenditure increased in 2023-24 as it covered all 12 months.

But Tien slammed the government for "not being clear."

He suggested upon the lease of the Admiralty office expiring next year, the government can even consider buying a whole floor in Wan Chai North, which normally spans some 15,000 square feet.

"It can accommodate at least five more chief executives .... and can then be used for many years," Tien said.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com