Former Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai is set to appear in court next week after police confirmed that he will face four criminal charges stemming from a July crash at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
The 66-year-old former Legislative Council member is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident. He is scheduled to appear at Sha Tin Court on Wednesday morning, September 9.
The case has reignited scrutiny of Wong, who resigned from the Legislative Council shortly after his arrest and became the first lawmaker in the current LegCo term to step down following a scandal.
What happened at CUHK?
The incident occurred late on June 29 at the CUHK campus.
According to reports, Wong allegedly lost control of his vehicle near a staff residence at around 10:46 p.m., striking a parked car that was pushed into another vehicle.
Wong allegedly left the scene and parked his vehicle elsewhere. A security guard later reported the incident to police. He subsequently returned and failed a breathalyser test, according to earlier reports.
No injuries were reported, although three vehicles were damaged.
From suspected drink-driving to four charges
When the incident first emerged, Wong was suspected of drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident.
The latest police announcement confirms that the case has now proceeded with four charges, including the more serious allegation of dangerous driving.
The charges do not constitute a conviction. Wong remains entitled to due process, and the allegations will be dealt with by the court.
Wong resigned from LegCo
The political fallout was swift.
Wong resigned from all his Legislative Council positions on July 3, saying he did not want the incident to affect the operation of the legislature. LegCo President Starry Lee confirmed that his resignation took effect immediately.
He had been an Election Committee constituency legislator and had served in the legislature for roughly three years.
His resignation also created a vacant LegCo seat. The government later indicated that holding a by-election was unlikely because of timing, costs and the approaching end of the current Election Committee’s term.
CUHK also took action
Wong was also an associate dean in CUHK’s Faculty of Engineering.
Following his arrest, the university suspended him from his administrative duties, saying it was deeply concerned about the incident and emphasizing the importance of professional conduct and ethics among its staff.
Wong apologized publicly after the incident became known and said he would cooperate with the investigation.
The case also raised questions inside LegCo
The controversy extended beyond the alleged traffic offences.
Wong had initially failed to inform the Legislative Council about his arrest, according to reports, raising questions over compliance with the council’s code of conduct concerning the timely reporting of legal proceedings.
LegCo President Starry Lee subsequently said the case could serve as an important reference for a future review of the legislature’s code governing members’ conduct.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is now on the court proceedings.
Wong is scheduled to appear at Sha Tin Court on September 9, where the four charges will be addressed.
The case marks a dramatic next chapter in a controversy that has already cost Wong his position in Hong Kong’s legislature.
What began with a late-night crash involving two parked cars has now developed into a criminal case involving four charges—and could have further consequences depending on the outcome of the court proceedings.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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