China News Service, Hong Kong, February 15th: The fight against corruption continues, half a century after the establishment of the ICAC, Hong Kong’s integrity brand has been forged
China News Service reporter Liu Dawei
February 15 this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC"). Looking back on Hong Kong's half-century anti-corruption history, the ICAC has always remained fearless and upright in its anti-corruption journey.
The ICAC is Hong Kong's agency dedicated to combating corruption. Since its establishment, the ICAC has been operating independently and is fully committed to combating corruption. After Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, the ICAC was directly responsible to the Chief Executive of the SAR, and the ICAC Commissioner was required to report regularly to the Executive Council.
In the 1960s and 1970s, corruption was a serious problem in Hong Kong. In the civil service team, regardless of their position, most civil servants are involved in using power for personal gain. Corruption is particularly serious in the police force. Police officers who take bribes cover up various illegal crimes such as pornography, gambling, and drugs. Hong Kong citizens suffer from corruption everywhere in their lives, and public resentment reached a boiling point in 1973 when the foreign Chief Superintendent Gerber was involved in the corruption case.
In order to quell public anger, in October 1973, the British Hong Kong government decided to establish the Independent Commission Against Corruption in February of the following year, which was independent of the police force and other government departments. It was dedicated to combating corruption and immediately took over the investigation of the Gerber case. This case was also the first case handled by the ICAC after its establishment.
Since then, the ICAC has successively investigated a number of cases that had a significant impact on Hong Kong’s anti-corruption history, including the Yau Ma Tei fruit bar law enforcement officers’ collective corruption case, the corruption case in 26 public housing estates, the Jianing Group fraud case, and the bribery case of senior legal officials. Some involve government departments and public institutions. "Inviting you to the ICAC for coffee" has also become a thing that frightens corrupt elements.
Of course, investigating cases is only one of the ICAC's means of fighting corruption and promoting integrity. Since its establishment, the ICAC has established a "three-pronged approach" of law enforcement, prevention and education to combat corruption and establish a social atmosphere in which corruption is not dared, cannot be corrupted, and does not want to be corrupt. Over the years, the ICAC has insisted on releasing promotional videos and posters, and is also the first government department in Hong Kong to produce TV series as a promotional tool. Since the first series of "Integrity Action" was broadcast in 1975, several series have been broadcast so far. Through media publicity, the Independent Commission Against Corruption's professional image in combating corruption and promoting integrity has become more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
"With fifty years of anti-corruption experience, we deeply feel that law enforcement is not enough. There must also be a system, which contains anti-corruption and anti-corruption elements, as well as anti-corruption education. It must be taught from kindergarten onwards. It must be three-pronged. Next." Integrity Commissioner Hu Yingming said in a recent interview with the media. He also revealed that the Independent Commission Against Corruption will announce the establishment of the Hong Kong International Integrity Academy on February 21 to promote Hong Kong’s integrity culture to the world.
After half a century of hard work, Hong Kong has successfully "transformed" from a corruption-ridden city into a clean city, becoming an internationally renowned anti-corruption pioneer. The ICAC's anti-corruption work has been highly praised by Hong Kong citizens and the international community. Integrity has become a "golden brand" of Hong Kong.
Since 1992, the ICAC has conducted an annual public opinion survey every year to understand Hong Kong citizens' tolerance for corruption and the work of the ICAC. According to the latest survey results, more than 85% of Hong Kong citizens hold a "zero tolerance" attitude towards corruption, and more than 90% of Hong Kong citizens express support for the ICAC's work over the years. According to the latest Transparency International "Corruption Perception Index" in 2022, Hong Kong's corruption level ranks 12th among 180 countries or regions in the world, and it is also one of the best-performing regions in the Asia-Pacific region.
"We have never stopped on the road to anti-corruption." On the 15th, the Independent Commission Against Corruption held a simple and grand flag-raising ceremony. After the ceremony, Hu Yingming said on social media. He also said that in the next step, the Independent Commission Against Corruption will advance anti-corruption work with more firm determination and pace, continue to work hard for the sustainable development of Hong Kong and the country, and to welcome the next 50 years. (over)