Case Study
Case Study - Whistle-blowing Sister
In the story, Yumi, as a public servant, has accepted a free membership of a gymnastic club and a dining discount from the supplier, Chris, as an inducement to her not taking action against the substandard supplies from his company and disclosing the prices quoted by other bidders, without any written approval from her public body. Both Yumi and Chris may have breached Section 4 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. Public servants should refrain from accepting any advantage provided by persons having official dealings with their public bodies to avoid giving rise to any conflict of interest. If declining the advantage may cause offence or embarrassment, the public servant should handle such advantages by following the guidelines and procedures laid down by the public body.
Having official dealings with Chris, Katy and Yumi should not accept lavish or frequent entertainment offered by him so as to avoid giving rise to any conflict of interest, or putting themselves in an obligatory position in the discharge of their duties, compromising their impartiality towards Chris, thus bringing the public body into disrepute.
Furthermore, If Yumi clocks in for Katy who is late to work, Katy will also breach Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance for using false documents with intent to deceive her principal.
Katy should not hesitate to immediately report the illegal acts of Yumi to the ICAC or to the management of her organisation. On the one hand, Katy can protect herself from suspicion of being involved in a corruption case. On the other hand, she can stop Yumi from repeating her mistakes, so as to safeguard the interest and reputation of the organisation. Public servants should adopt zero tolerance to corruption, so as to uphold public confidence in the integrity of the public service.
Having official dealings with Chris, Katy and Yumi should not accept lavish or frequent entertainment offered by him so as to avoid giving rise to any conflict of interest, or putting themselves in an obligatory position in the discharge of their duties, compromising their impartiality towards Chris, thus bringing the public body into disrepute.
Furthermore, If Yumi clocks in for Katy who is late to work, Katy will also breach Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance for using false documents with intent to deceive her principal.
Katy should not hesitate to immediately report the illegal acts of Yumi to the ICAC or to the management of her organisation. On the one hand, Katy can protect herself from suspicion of being involved in a corruption case. On the other hand, she can stop Yumi from repeating her mistakes, so as to safeguard the interest and reputation of the organisation. Public servants should adopt zero tolerance to corruption, so as to uphold public confidence in the integrity of the public service.
