How could Crown proceed with Ho-linked associates after 2014 assurances?

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Crown Resorts' Dealings with Ho-Linked Associates Post-2014 Assurances

Australian billionaire James Packer stated he "forgot" that his casino firm Crown Resorts Ltd was prohibited from dealing with associates of Hong Kong's Stanley Ho when he arranged a partial buyout by a firm controlled by Ho's son, Lawrence. Crown Resorts Ltd had obtained clearance in 2014 to build a casino tower in Sydney, with a crucial condition that Stanley Ho or his associates would not be given any beneficial interest in the company. Despite this, Packer orchestrated a sale of a portion of Crown Resorts to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, a company led by Lawrence Ho.
Packer's Recollection of the Melco Deal

During testimony at the New South Wales state government inquiry, James Packer acknowledged the 2014 agreement that barred Stanley Ho or his associates from holding any beneficial interest in Crown Resorts. This clearance was a prerequisite for building Crown's Sydney casino tower. However, Packer proceeded with arranging a sale of 20% of Crown Resorts to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, a company overseen by Lawrence Ho, Stanley Ho's son. When questioned about this apparent contradiction, Packer stated he assumed his legal team would manage any associated legal complexities. He specifically told the inquiry's lawyer, Adam Bell, "I forgot."
The Ban on Stanley Ho and Melco's Involvement

Stanley Ho, who passed away in May at the age of 98, had been prohibited from participating in Australian casinos due to widespread allegations of links to organised crime, which he consistently denied. The transaction with Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd saw the company initially purchase half of the 20% stake Packer offered. Subsequently, Melco cancelled its plans to acquire the remaining portion of that stake.
Packer's Continued Influence and Communications

Packer's testimony also addressed a period of significant internal turmoil for Crown, including the 2016 jailing of 16 Crown staff in China for violating anti-gambling laws, which led to the company's withdrawal from foreign markets. Packer himself had stepped back from public roles for personal reasons. Despite not holding a formal board or operational position since March 2018, Packer admitted to requesting regular trading updates and issuing directives concerning Crown's operations between November 2018 and February 2019. For instance, an email sent in 2019 to the then Chief Financial Officer, Ken Barton, stated, "you have had your heads in the sands this year. Make sure, for your own sake, we achieve the financial year 2020 plan." Packer also sent an email in November 2018 to Crown's then chairman, John Alexander, authorising cost-cutting measures with the instruction, "I’m over being Captain Good Guy to everyone. Go hard, you have my blessing." Packer maintained that, as a major shareholder, he believed his communications were aligned with the best interests of all shareholders.

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How could Crown proceed with Ho-linked associates after 2014 assurances?

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