Public views ICAC as impartial and trusted ally in fighting corruption
2007-5-11
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is perceived by the general public as an impartial and trustworthy anti-corruption agency, the latest opinion survey has revealed.
According to the ICAC Annual Survey, the majority or 80.3 per cent of respondents considered that the Commission was impartial in its investigations –'96 a record high since 1993 when the first annual survey was conducted.
The 2006 ICAC Annual Survey, polling 1,534 citizens through random sampling, was commissioned to a professional research company late last year.
On a 0-10 rating scale, with 0 representing "no confidence" and 10 "completely confident", a mean score of 7.5 was recorded in this survey, showing a high level of confidence in the ICAC. The majority or 87.1 per cent gave a score between 7 and 10.
And up to 97.2 per cent of respondents indicated that they would maintain or increase their confidence in the Commission - the highest since 1997.
Meanwhile, a vast majority or 92.6 per cent trusted reports made to the ICAC were kept confidential, while about 70 per cent believed the anti-graft agency did not abuse its powers –'96 both highest percentages ever recorded since 1993. In addition, 68.5 per cent rated the Commission as very effective or effective.
The poll also found the ICAC continued to enjoy overwhelming public support with 98.9 per cent affirming that the agency deserved their support.
"The immense community support was also evident in the public's willingness to cooperate with the ICAC in exposing graft cases," an ICAC spokesman said.
According to the survey, 78.7 per cent indicated their willingness to report corruption - the highest ever, with 72 per cent prepared to reveal their identities when lodging complaints.
"In 2006, the actual proportion of non-anonymous complaints received by the ICAC also hit a record 73 per cent," the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, 65.4 per cent thought corruption was uncommon in our society, and 82.2 per cent expected less corruption or a steady corruption situation in the coming year.
"This optimistic outlook of corruption tallied with the actual experience of respondents," the spokesman said.
The vast majority or 96.4 per cent indicated that they or their friends and relatives had not encountered corruption in the past 12 months. Only a very low percentage - 2.8 per cent - indicated that they did so.
While holding a positive view about corruption in Hong Kong, the public remained highly vigilant. On a 0-10 point scale, with 0 representing total rejection and 10 total tolerance, the mean scores for public tolerance of corruption in the civil service a nd the business sector were extremely low - 1.1 and 1.8 respectively.
"Greatly encouraged by the strong public support shown in the latest survey, the ICAC remains committed to fighting corruption impartially and rigorously, through the proven three-pronged approach of law enforcement, prevention and education.
"We will continue to strengthen our capabilities and fine-tune our strategies, taking into account public views gauged through this survey," the spokesman said.
According to the ICAC Annual Survey, the majority or 80.3 per cent of respondents considered that the Commission was impartial in its investigations –'96 a record high since 1993 when the first annual survey was conducted.
The 2006 ICAC Annual Survey, polling 1,534 citizens through random sampling, was commissioned to a professional research company late last year.
On a 0-10 rating scale, with 0 representing "no confidence" and 10 "completely confident", a mean score of 7.5 was recorded in this survey, showing a high level of confidence in the ICAC. The majority or 87.1 per cent gave a score between 7 and 10.
And up to 97.2 per cent of respondents indicated that they would maintain or increase their confidence in the Commission - the highest since 1997.
Meanwhile, a vast majority or 92.6 per cent trusted reports made to the ICAC were kept confidential, while about 70 per cent believed the anti-graft agency did not abuse its powers –'96 both highest percentages ever recorded since 1993. In addition, 68.5 per cent rated the Commission as very effective or effective.
The poll also found the ICAC continued to enjoy overwhelming public support with 98.9 per cent affirming that the agency deserved their support.
"The immense community support was also evident in the public's willingness to cooperate with the ICAC in exposing graft cases," an ICAC spokesman said.
According to the survey, 78.7 per cent indicated their willingness to report corruption - the highest ever, with 72 per cent prepared to reveal their identities when lodging complaints.
"In 2006, the actual proportion of non-anonymous complaints received by the ICAC also hit a record 73 per cent," the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, 65.4 per cent thought corruption was uncommon in our society, and 82.2 per cent expected less corruption or a steady corruption situation in the coming year.
"This optimistic outlook of corruption tallied with the actual experience of respondents," the spokesman said.
The vast majority or 96.4 per cent indicated that they or their friends and relatives had not encountered corruption in the past 12 months. Only a very low percentage - 2.8 per cent - indicated that they did so.
While holding a positive view about corruption in Hong Kong, the public remained highly vigilant. On a 0-10 point scale, with 0 representing total rejection and 10 total tolerance, the mean scores for public tolerance of corruption in the civil service a nd the business sector were extremely low - 1.1 and 1.8 respectively.
"Greatly encouraged by the strong public support shown in the latest survey, the ICAC remains committed to fighting corruption impartially and rigorously, through the proven three-pronged approach of law enforcement, prevention and education.
"We will continue to strengthen our capabilities and fine-tune our strategies, taking into account public views gauged through this survey," the spokesman said.