The city’s Chief Executive (CE) Fernando Chui Sai On has accepted the resignation of the head of the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (DSMG), Fong Soi Kun, claiming that Fong had quit the position for “private reasons”.
The Secretary for Administration and Justice Sonia Chan Hoi Fan added that Fong had intended to retire, having served the city for over three decades.
In the aftermath of the great damage visited by the super typhoon, which led to eight fatalities, many voiced out on the Internet that the DSMG head should step down because of mistakes made in informing the public.
The media questioned officials during the press conference at the Government Headquarters whether the resignation was an attempt to dodge responsibility, with one pointing out that a retirement resignation would ensure the official received an attractive pension.
The CE replied that they were two different procedures when approaching the matter, meaning resignation for one and investigation for another.
“We will have to wait for Secretary Rosario to come back to discuss [the investigation] with him,” said the CE.
He also recalled his position as Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, claiming he never interfered with any decision made by DSMG.
“I never interfere with any scientific decisions made by DSMG,” said the CE. “Also, Secretary Rosario (Secretary for Transport and Public Works) will oversee the [situation].”
On the other hand, reporters asked the CE for the reason of inspecting Flower City in Taipa Island instead of the more severely damaged zones such as the Inner Harbour Area.
“I had been participating in the works at the Civil Defence Centre when Signal 8 was hoisted,” replied the CE, adding that there is no more attention paid to particular areas, with related co-workers leading him to first inspect the area near the centre.
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In memoriam
The Government Information Bureau yesterday expressed its ‘condolences for the victims of the typhoon. Regional flags of the Macao Special Administrative Region displayed at all agencies of the Government, border-crossing checkpoints, ferry terminals and airport, as well as representative offices stationed outside Macao, will be flown at half-mast today.’
