Stating my case – reflections of 35 years of anti-graft service
By Ricky Chu Man-kin, then Director of Investigation (Private Sector)

The cardinal principle

I could go on and on with my recollection. But they all bore one important message: No matter whether a case ends up in prosecution, there are always lessons to learn. There is always room for improvement. To every officer of the ICAC, the cardinal principle is to investigate each case impartially, without fear or favour and in strict accordance with the law and established procedures, regardless of the background, status and position of persons involved. At the end of the day, whether a suspect ends up in court depends on the adequacy of evidence. The ICAC, as always, has no political consideration in enforcing the law.

Summing up

Parting is such sweet sorrow, or so they say. While it is not easy to say goodbye to my fellow team-mates at the ICAC and a career that made the better part of my adult life, it is encouraging to know that new generations of graft busters are on the anti-graft mission with equal determination. My advice to them is simple: don’t be afraid to be unconventional, always be meticulous in implementation, consider all possibilities and humbly learn your lessons from failures. With this, I rest my case.