ICAC remains steadfast and committed despite unprecedented challenges

Upholding probity and rule of law with determination

Mr Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun, Chairman of the Operations Review Committee, said the committee was satisfied that the Operations Department had never wavered from its standards or principles in enforcing the law. Despite the social and economic climate in the second half of 2019, the department continued to uphold Hong Kong’s probity and the rule of law with conviction and determination.

In 2019, the ICAC received 2,297 non-election related corruption complaints. Public support remained strong with 72% of the complainants identifying themselves when reporting corruption.

“The committee believes that this high level of public trust is made possible by the ICAC’s impartial stance in enforcing the law,” Mr Tang said.

Last year also marked the beginning of a new cycle of public elections, starting with the Rural Representative Election in January and followed by the District Council (DC) Election in November. Up to the end of 2019, the ICAC received 518 election-related complaints in respect of the DC Election, of which 492 were pursuable.

For public sector corruption, there was a drop of 8% in complaints concerning government departments from 706 in 2018 to 647 last year. “The civil service in Hong Kong remains clean, and the vast majority of civil servants are able to measure up to the very high standards of integrity and probity expected of them,” Mr Tang said.

Complaints concerning the private sector went down by 17% from 1,776 to 1,480. There was a significant decrease of 169 complaints concerning the building management subsector, which could be seen as a welcome sign. “The Operations Department continues to adopt a two-pronged strategy, combining the traditional approach of investigation for prosecution with preventive measures by taking timely intervention action in appropriate cases,” Mr Tang added.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2019 between the ICAC and the Securities and Futures Commission to strengthen cooperation in the fight against corruption and market malpractice. Mr Tang said the committee was pleased to note that the enhanced liaison work and cooperation between the two agencies had brought about tangible results in joint investigations.

“Amidst all challenges we faced in 2019, the ICAC remains steadfastly committed to combating corruption without fear or favour. The committee is satisfied that the Operations Department has impartially and independently performed its duties with perseverance and professionalism,” concluded Mr Tang.