The ICAC was established 30 years ago when Hong Kong's economy was developing rapidly. For any developing economies, the wide disparity of wealth between the rich and the poor together with the unquestioned power of the authorities can often lead to rampant corruption. This in turn can lead to the ultimate collapse of the government concerned, irrespective of the degree of democracy. Corruption must therefore be treated seriously and stamped out vigorously. Unless broader legal power is given to the Anti-corruption Agency, counter-corruption campaign will not be effective.
This enhanced legal power can however itself lead to even more corruption if not checked - as absolute power absolutely corrupts. The Operations Review Committee (ORC) is one of the bodies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China given the duty to ensure that the statutory powers given to the ICAC are not abused. Although structured as an advisory committee under the Independent Commission Against Corruption, it directly reports to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and has a wider responsibility to the community at large. Members of the ORC include legislative councillors, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, accountants, and from other walks of life in addition to top level government officials.
It is the duty of ICAC to investigate every complaint brought before them, treat every case seriously and confidentially so that future complaints are not stifled. Those under investigation are treated with dignity and respect for their legal rights since not every complaint is necessarily justified. The ICAC officers are expected to have very high professional and morale standards.
The ORC reviews every complaint made and cases investigated by the ICAC, irrespective of the size or severity of the crime. Members of the ORC are entrusted with sensitive information in order to make appropriate judgements on cases reviewed. No investigation can be terminated without ORC consent.
Reviewing these cases also brings about further improvements in operations including: a) reviewing procedures and practices in light of the changing needs of society, b) recommending disciplinary action against civil servants who may have breached rules and regulations, have been derelict in their duties or breached the trust bestowed on them, and if needed c) recommending changes to the existing laws or introducing new legislation to combat corruption.
Media reports are important inputs for the ORC. They provide useful information so that members of the committee can ensure that the work of the ICAC meets its mission and is supported by the Hong Kong community at large. The essential checks and balances provided by the ORC should continue to form an integral part of successful anti-corruption work in Hong Kong in the years ahead.
This enhanced legal power can however itself lead to even more corruption if not checked - as absolute power absolutely corrupts. The Operations Review Committee (ORC) is one of the bodies in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China given the duty to ensure that the statutory powers given to the ICAC are not abused. Although structured as an advisory committee under the Independent Commission Against Corruption, it directly reports to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and has a wider responsibility to the community at large. Members of the ORC include legislative councillors, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, accountants, and from other walks of life in addition to top level government officials.
It is the duty of ICAC to investigate every complaint brought before them, treat every case seriously and confidentially so that future complaints are not stifled. Those under investigation are treated with dignity and respect for their legal rights since not every complaint is necessarily justified. The ICAC officers are expected to have very high professional and morale standards.
The ORC reviews every complaint made and cases investigated by the ICAC, irrespective of the size or severity of the crime. Members of the ORC are entrusted with sensitive information in order to make appropriate judgements on cases reviewed. No investigation can be terminated without ORC consent.
Media reports are important inputs for the ORC. They provide useful information so that members of the committee can ensure that the work of the ICAC meets its mission and is supported by the Hong Kong community at large. The essential checks and balances provided by the ORC should continue to form an integral part of successful anti-corruption work in Hong Kong in the years ahead.
