Gov't Consults on Tighter Proxy Voting Rules for Building Management
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The government is seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance, with key changes targeting proxy voting systems at residential owners' meetings. Home Affairs Department Director To Kit-lai stated on a television programme that the authorities remain open to whether the new restrictions on proxy holders could be overly strict. The amendments aim to address concerns that voting outcomes may be manipulated by a minority, while also introducing a tiered system for large-scale maintenance works based on project costs.
Key Points
- The proposed amendments cover five major areas, including raising quorum and voting thresholds for major repair projects and large procurement decisions
- The government is considering restricting proxy holders to only owners' relatives or other owners within the same estate
- To Kit-lai cited the example of an elderly person who might rely on a familiar neighbour from another estate for assistance, saying such arrangements may become prohibited under the new rules
- A tiered system would require more owners to vote in person at meetings for higher-value maintenance works
- Electronic voting was not included in the proposals due to identity verification challenges with the iAM Smart system, as overseas owners without Hong Kong identity cards cannot use the platform
- The amendments would grant authorities greater power to intervene if a building management committee chairman unreasonably refuses or cancels meetings
- To Kit-lai emphasized the government would be reluctant to directly remove committee members, preferring to assist owners in resolving disputes through meetings
Why It Matters
These amendments could significantly affect how residential buildings across Hong Kong conduct major decisions, potentially making it harder for small groups to dominate voting while also creating new barriers for owners who depend on proxies from outside their estate. The outcome of this consultation will shape the governance framework for thousands of residential developments throughout the city .
These amendments could significantly affect how residential buildings across Hong Kong conduct major decisions, potentially making it harder for small groups to dominate voting while also creating new barriers for owners who depend on proxies from outside their estate. The outcome of this consultation will shape the governance framework for thousands of residential developments throughout the city .