Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan
Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say
Hong Kong authorities have replaced Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan Hau-man, who recently apologised for her choice of attire at the funeral of the firefighter who died in the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court blaze.
Two government sources said on Tuesday that her removal was not triggered by the episode, but had been planned “for a long period of time” after multiple internal complaints against Chan, who had served in the role for seven years.
Those complaints were related to her abrasive management approach, her attendance at lavish banquets and her reluctance to consider community feedback, among others, according to the civil servants who asked to remain anonymous.
“The Tai Po district officer is a strategic role in the government. All eyes are on how authorities will follow up on the fire, requiring great skill in articulating and communicating with stakeholders,” one source said. “The move is timely.”
Another civil servant who worked with Chan said she welcomed her departure, pointing to her approach towards colleagues.
The Home Affairs Department said that Chan would be succeeded by Tiffany Chung Wai-ting, assistant director of market development at the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, from Wednesday.
In a reply to Post queries, the Civil Service Bureau confirmed that Chan, one of the most experienced district officers among her peers, would be swapping roles with Chung. Both hold the same D2 rank – directorate level – within the government.