A Housing Department maintenance surveyor has been sentenced to eight months jail at the District Court for misconduct in awarding $5.97 million worth of maintenance contracts.

In sentencing, Judge Peter Line said preserving a civil service that was honest and impartial in its dealings with the public was important to Hong Kong, adding that for this reason, the defendant's immediate imprisonment was required.

Irene Wong, 45, was earlier found guilty on seven counts of misconduct in public office under the Common Law. The court ordered another similar charge be left on file.

The judge reprimanded Wong for showing no remorse and damaging the integrity of the department's system of awarding contracts, adding that the root of her crimes laid in greed.

"No one wants to live in a society where success in private enterprise can be perceived to be dependant in any part on having family relations or connections in Government," the judge said.

The court heard that at the time of the offences between 1996 and 1999, Wong was the project officer overseeing various maintenance projects. Her duties included calling for tenders and recommending contractors for the relevant projects.

Wong came to know Chung Tat-yan in 1994, who operated Harbour Grow Holdings, Wo Loong Engineering & Construction, and HK Building Products.

Improper partiality

ICAC investigations found Wong's immediate family and relatives had an interest in Harbour Grow's holding company, while Wong herself was the registered secretary.

The court heard that Wong had shown improper partiality towards Harbour Grow, Wo Loong and HK Building Products in awarding various maintenance projects between 1996 and 1999, and failed to declare a conflict of interest arising from her relationship with Chung.

As a result, the department had awarded maintenance contracts, worth $4,355,581 in total, to those companies controlled by Chung.

The court also heard that Wong had arranged for Fong Wing Shing Construction Company to submit a quotation for another maintenance contract on behalf of HK Building Products, knowing that the latter was less qualified to be awarded the contract.

Upon Wong's recommendation, the department accepted the quotation submitted by Fong Wing Shing and awarded the company a contract worth $1,618,847. Fong Wing Shing later subcontracted the same project to HK Building Products upon Wong's request.