CCAC may conclude weather bureau probe by October

The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) has hinted that it will finalize its investigation into the much-criticized Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) by next month.

Following residents’ complaints about the bureau’s forecasting and internal management, the graft-buster initiated an inquiry into SMG procedures last week.

CCAC chief André Cheong told the press on Saturday that it aims to finish the investigation by October, but that the findings will not be legally binding as only the relevant departments can act on the report.

“Most of the time, [it depends on] whether the Chief Executive or the government departments themselves respect and agree on the summary of our reports, and carry out follow-
up work in line with corresponding administrative regulations and our advice,” said Cheong, cited by TDM.

“I’m confident that it will also be the case this time. I hope that the probe will finish in October and the report will reach the Chief Executive and the public,” he added.

The CCAC said in a previous statement that they had also investigated the weather bureau for not hoisting Signal 8 on Typhoon Nida, but it “did not detect any gross violation of legal provisions.”

The bureau added that it had “received a large number of complaints” concerning suspicions over the SMG’s ability to correctly forecast typhoons, and requesting the CCAC’s intervention to investigate any illegalities or irregularities in the service’s internal management.

The Association of Synergy of Macau, a local think tank, last week called for a government probe of the management of Typhoon Hato’s aftermath, including former SMG director Fong Soi Kun, who resigned after the storm.

The group said it would be inappropriate if no disciplinary actions were taken against Fong. LV