Fighting corruption: 50 years on, the mission continues
Fifty years of robust law enforcement, systemic prevention and community education transformed Hong Kong from a corruption-plagued city to one of the cleanest metropolises in the world. The ICAC, together with the community, had fought a hard battle for the achievement. As the anti-graft agency approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, the ICAC pledges to remain committed to the anti-corruption cause and continue to forge ahead.
The ICAC’s golden jubilee celebration will take on the theme “Fighting Corruption: The Mission Continues” which symbolises the Commission’s unwavering determination and courage to bring forth new ideas. It also indicates the fact that the ICAC never paused when faced with various challenges in recent years. The Commission is ready to embark on a new anti-graft journey, share its experience and narrate the good story of Hong Kong to the international community.
A host of activities are in the pipeline in the coming months. In mid-December, nearly 300 ICAC staff, their families and friends, members of ICAC’s youth and volunteer organisations, as well as members of various local disciplinary forces, participated in a 3.5-kilometres race at the iconic Hong Kong landmark – the Peak, kicking off the celebration with vigor and enthusiasm.
ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming, who officiated at the kick-off ceremony, encouraged all runners to strive for their best and uphold the unwavering spirit of the ICAC in fighting corruption in the past 50 years. “For the past five decades the ICAC encountered many challenges on the anti-corruption journey. However, with the joint efforts of the government, members of the public and the ICAC, our anti-corruption work never paused. Hong Kong has emerged as a corruption-free city, a place where people can enjoy peace and stability,” said Woo.
Woo noted that ICAC officers would remain steadfast in their mission in the future. They would remain intolerant for corruption, which they would fight without fear or favour. The Commission would consolidate its anti-corruption experience in the past 50 years, foster international cooperation and training, and collaborate with anti-corruption agencies in other places to elevate the ICAC’s graft-fighting work to another platform.
Closely following the Kick-off Run will be a virtual walk in January next year. Members of the public will be invited to participate, either by walking or running at their own pace, to accumulate “miles” and join the ICAC in spreading anti-corruption footprints across the territory.
In addition, members of the public are welcome to join a large-scale running gala which will take place in the West Kowloon Cultural District in February next year. The event will also feature interactive games as well as family activities suitable for all. The occasion will serve to mark Hong Kong’s achievement in the anti-corruption cause over the past 50 years.
The anti-corruption battle was a hard one, but the old days were also filled with many heart-warming stories and interesting tidbits. With this in mind, the ICAC has launched the “50 ICAC Stories ”, a collection of fun facts like the origin of the ICAC logo, the “signature” ICAC coffee as well as past ICAC buildings and the first regional office. Through these short stories, the ICAC invites members of the public to take a stroll down memory lane and the road we travelled together.
In addition to the dedication and unwavering commitment of ICAC officers, public support has always been indispensable in the anti-graft journey. Over the past five decades, the ICAC, together with different sectors of the community, had achieved a remarkable feat which made Hong Kong proud. Moving forward, the ICAC will continue to work hand in hand with the public to uphold Hong Kong’s reputation as a corruption-free place, taking the city to new heights.
For information on the 50th anniversary celebrations, please visit the dedicated webpage atwww.icac.org.hk/icac/50a/en/index.html。