Wang Fuk Court administrator to study ruling after court rejects bid to extend meeting deadline

The administrator of the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court is reviewing a Lands Tribunal judgment that denied its request to postpone a mandatory owners' meeting. Hop On Management, the government-appointed administrator, stated it would continue verifying signatures for a petition and proceed with the meeting.

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The administrator of the fire-hit Wang Fuk Court has said it is studying the Lands Tribunal’s judgment after the court denied its bid to extend the statutory deadline for an owners’ meeting.

The tribunal had rejected Hop On's application to extend the deadline required by the Buildings Management Ordinance. Judge Gary Lam ruled that the firm's difficulties in contacting owners were not insurmountable, noting it had collected contact details for a significant majority of residents. He also stated the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to extend the statutory deadline.

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the firm’s difficulty in contacting owners was “not insurmountable” as it had managed to collect addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of 1,601 owners out of 1,984 units at the Tai Po housing estate.

Hop On Management, a subsidiary of Chinachem Group, had sought the extension due to extensive preparations needed for the meeting. The company expressed hope that all homeowners would have a fair opportunity to participate. The administrator also acknowledged the tribunal's recognition of their efforts in contacting residents under exceptional circumstances.

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it was “plain and obvious” that the BMO does not give the tribunal jurisdiction to extend the statutory deadline for holding owners’ meetings.

The Home Affairs Department confirmed the government would study the judgment, which involves interpreting the Buildings Management Ordinance. The department credited Hop On and itself for their efforts in issuing notices and convening the meeting amidst challenging conditions. Homeowners had submitted a petition with over 247 signatures, exceeding the 5% threshold needed to request a meeting to discuss resettlement and financial matters.

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Lam’s ruling involved the interpretation of the BMO and that the government would study the judgment.