ICAC remains dedicated in fighting corruption and promoting probity
2014-2-14
The ICAC had been in the forefront of the anti-corruption fight and attached great importance to community participation and public support in promoting a culture of probity and business ethics, as well as safeguarding the core value of integrity, said IC AC Commissioner Peh Yun-lu today (February 14).
The ICAC today hosted a reception for about 400 guests at the ICAC Building to mark the Commission’s 40 th Anniversary. Chief Executive Mr C Y Leung and ICAC Commissioner Peh Yun-lu attended the reception as officiating guests.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Peh said ICAC’s 40-year anti-corruption journey had been full of tests and challenges. Through a three-pronged approach combining law enforcement, corruption prevention and community education, the ICAC had transformed Hong Kong from a city once plagued by corruption t o one of the cleanest cities in the world, making a fundamental change of the public attitude and perception towards corruption in Hong Kong.
Mr Peh stressed that the success lied in the Commission’s determination to maintain a clean society and the dedicated efforts of ICAC officers, as well as the whole-hearted public support and full cooperation of government departments, the public and the private sectors.
“Today, corruption in Hong Kong remains under control with no sign of resurgence of syndicated corruption. The probity culture is firmly rooted in our society. We are privileged to have an efficient and clean civil service. Moreover, the business communit y has also been making every endeavour to maintain a level playing field for businesses,” said Mr Peh.
“The ICAC has not only become an internationally renowned brand name, its anti-corruption experiences are also acclaimed by overseas graft-fighting agencies and recognised as a model for other countries and regions,” he added.
Noting that the ICAC would enter its second 40-year, Mr Peh said the Commission was certain to face more challenges, including the increasingly secretive nature of corruption crimes, the use of high technology by criminals in bribery activities, cross-bou ndary crimes, and the growing difficulties in gathering evidence.
“The ICAC will keep abreast of trends and make new developments, serving Hong Kong without fear or favour in our anti-corruption work. Besides combating corruption, we will also endeavour to cultivate a culture of zero tolerance towards bribery, enhance pu blic awareness against corruption and promote a culture of probity. We aim at building a fair, just and cleaner future for our next generation,” Mr Peh said.
Speaking to the press after the reception, Mr Peh noted that according to the latest ICAC Annual Survey, nearly 81% of the 1,500-odd respondents said they were willing to report corruption, while only 4.8% were not willing to report.
Mr Peh stressed that should the public encounter suspected corruption, they could report to the ICAC without having to worry that their identities might be disclosed, as the ICAC had been upholding its pledge to handle all reports in the strictest confide nce in the past 40 years.
Mr Peh also noted that last year saw the ICAC facing unprecedented challenges and staff morale of officers was affected especially at the early stage. However, as they appreciated that those were isolated incidents, morale at the ICAC had been restored, he said.
He added that the Commission’s staff wastage in 2013 remained low and ICAC officers had remained dedicated and effective. There were more people prosecuted last year than 2012 and the conviction rate maintained at about 80%.
Attending today’s reception included Chairmen of ICAC’s advisory committees, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, as well as guests from different sectors.
The ICAC today hosted a reception for about 400 guests at the ICAC Building to mark the Commission’s 40 th Anniversary. Chief Executive Mr C Y Leung and ICAC Commissioner Peh Yun-lu attended the reception as officiating guests.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Peh said ICAC’s 40-year anti-corruption journey had been full of tests and challenges. Through a three-pronged approach combining law enforcement, corruption prevention and community education, the ICAC had transformed Hong Kong from a city once plagued by corruption t o one of the cleanest cities in the world, making a fundamental change of the public attitude and perception towards corruption in Hong Kong.
Mr Peh stressed that the success lied in the Commission’s determination to maintain a clean society and the dedicated efforts of ICAC officers, as well as the whole-hearted public support and full cooperation of government departments, the public and the private sectors.
“Today, corruption in Hong Kong remains under control with no sign of resurgence of syndicated corruption. The probity culture is firmly rooted in our society. We are privileged to have an efficient and clean civil service. Moreover, the business communit y has also been making every endeavour to maintain a level playing field for businesses,” said Mr Peh.
“The ICAC has not only become an internationally renowned brand name, its anti-corruption experiences are also acclaimed by overseas graft-fighting agencies and recognised as a model for other countries and regions,” he added.
Noting that the ICAC would enter its second 40-year, Mr Peh said the Commission was certain to face more challenges, including the increasingly secretive nature of corruption crimes, the use of high technology by criminals in bribery activities, cross-bou ndary crimes, and the growing difficulties in gathering evidence.
“The ICAC will keep abreast of trends and make new developments, serving Hong Kong without fear or favour in our anti-corruption work. Besides combating corruption, we will also endeavour to cultivate a culture of zero tolerance towards bribery, enhance pu blic awareness against corruption and promote a culture of probity. We aim at building a fair, just and cleaner future for our next generation,” Mr Peh said.
Speaking to the press after the reception, Mr Peh noted that according to the latest ICAC Annual Survey, nearly 81% of the 1,500-odd respondents said they were willing to report corruption, while only 4.8% were not willing to report.
Mr Peh stressed that should the public encounter suspected corruption, they could report to the ICAC without having to worry that their identities might be disclosed, as the ICAC had been upholding its pledge to handle all reports in the strictest confide nce in the past 40 years.
Mr Peh also noted that last year saw the ICAC facing unprecedented challenges and staff morale of officers was affected especially at the early stage. However, as they appreciated that those were isolated incidents, morale at the ICAC had been restored, he said.
He added that the Commission’s staff wastage in 2013 remained low and ICAC officers had remained dedicated and effective. There were more people prosecuted last year than 2012 and the conviction rate maintained at about 80%.
Attending today’s reception included Chairmen of ICAC’s advisory committees, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, as well as guests from different sectors.