Senior civil servants in Hong Kong are concerned about a new accountability system aimed at department heads. The controversy was highlighted by the investigation into the fatal Tai Po fire, which questioned safety protocols.

Where exactly does the buck stop? Senior Hong Kong civil servants are asking themselves that question after the unveiling of a new accountability system targeting department heads. They point to the deadly Tai Po fire last year as an example. An independent committee investigating the tragedy heard evidence officials gave contractors at the blaze-hit Wang Fuk Court estate advance notice of inspections, potentially allowing problems to be concealed before fire-safety checks on scaffolding...