Fire officers Thomas Cheung and Samuel Hui deserve the Gold Medal for Bravery conferred on them for their dedication in fighting the Ngau Tau Kok fire, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says.
Speaking after attending the reception for the 19th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today, she said she has visited the officers' families to express her condolences and offer the Government’s support.
"I agree with great sorrow with the Chief Executive's decision to award the Gold Medal for Bravery to our two firefighters who died in the Ngau Tau Kok fire. They have shown great courage, are role models for civil servants, and are the pride of Hong Kong citizens."
Noting the Ngau Tau Kok fire highlights the need to improve fire safety standards in old industrial buildings, she said it will be examined by the inter-departmental working group formed to discuss measures to enhance fire safety in mini-storage centres.
Mrs Lam thanked the Chief Executive for awarding her the Grand Bauhinia Medal, noting it was a big honour. She said she did not help prepare the Honours List, so any allegation of conflict of interest is unfounded.
As for the Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 2016 for which the second reading has been suspended due to filibustering, she called on legislators to examine the bill in earnest when they next meet, as it will restore the credibility of the Medical Council with the public.
