ICAC remains steadfast and committed despite unprecedented challenges

Graft prevention strategy targets at people’s livelihood and public safety

On the preventive front, Mr Adrian Wong Koon-man, Chairman of the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee, said the committee strongly supported the Corruption Prevention Department’s (CPD) early input strategy and its work priority to areas involving people’s livelihood and public safety, as well as programmes using substantial public moneys.

In 2019, the committee endorsed a total of 70 assignment reports for government departments and public bodies. CPD also provided corruption prevention advice for departments and other organisations on over 1,340 occasions.

Meanwhile, the CPD adopted a prevention-at-source strategy by providing early input to the government and public bodies responsible for new initiatives and projects last year, such as the Pilot District Health Centre and the Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme during the preparation stage. Integrity management and corruption prevention measures were incorporated at an early stage for these projects.

“Our committee comprises members from different professions who will constantly provide expert input and advice to CPD colleagues in relation to the latest development in their respective sectors,” Mr Wong said.

Mr Wong noted that the department also conducted a series of studies to strengthen corruption prevention measures in the quality control of major construction materials in public works projects. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and professional bodies, the department also provided corruption prevention resources to assist local listed companies in establishing and reviewing their anti-bribery management systems and enhancing the disclosure of anti-corruption information.

Looking ahead, as some government departments and public bodies would be entrusted to carry out law enforcement and regulatory duties over environmental hygiene and building safety aspects, the CPD would develop a corruption prevention guide this year for those agencies to enhance their awareness of common corruption pitfalls and the necessary corruption prevention controls.

In addition, the CPD would also formulate a corruption prevention guide for insurance companies to assist them in establishing and strengthening their corruption prevention capabilities.