III. Briefing by the Commissioner, Independent Commission Against Corruption on the Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address
Mr CHAN Chun-ying declared that he was a member of the Operations Review Committee of ICAC.
Corruption scene
Acknowledging ICAC’s anti-corruption work in the construction industry including its operation against corruption in the Three-runway System Project of the Hong Kong International Airport, Mr. Chan Chun-ying enquired about ICAC’s plan to further stem corruption in the industry, say by incorporating relevant standard contract terms in works contracts of the Administration and enhancing collaboration with the Construction Industry Council (“CIC”). ICAC advised that on top of enforcement, its work targeted at the construction industry also included working with the Development Bureau and CIC to enhance the corruption prevention awareness of the industry. Efforts had been made to promote the new concept of integrity risk management (“IRM”) through the recent launch of the first short training video on IRM and holding seminars to familiarize the industry and relevant stakeholders with the concept.
Election
Mr. Chan Chun-ying noted ICAC’s work for the three elections held under the improved electoral system in 2021 and 2022, including the enforcement actions taken against the new offence of inciting another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period as provided for under section 27A of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (Cap. 554). Since there might be cases whereby the illegal conduct was performed through overseas online platforms, information was sought on the extra-territorial application of the relevant provision.
ICAC advised that prosecution had been instituted against persons engaged in such illegal conduct. Given that section 27A also applied to conduct whether it was engaged in within Hong Kong or elsewhere, ICAC would take appropriate actions, including applying to the Court for warrants for arresting such offenders on their entering Hong Kong, if there was sufficient evidence.
IV. Briefing by the Secretary for Security on the Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address
Strengthening anti-drug efforts
Mr. Chan Chun-ying supported SB’s proposal to control cannabidiol (“CBD”) by legislation and enquired how suppliers might dispose of products containing CBD (“CBD Products”) in bulk before the relevant amendment came into operation.
The Administration advised that disposal boxes were placed at 10 government premises to facilitate disposal of CBD Products and special arrangements could be made for disposal in bulk.
Cybersecurity and use of technology
On the use of technology for improving public services, the Administration was urged to further integrate applications and systems for bringing convenience to the public. For instance, members of the public were required to download a separate mobile application for using contactless e-Channel, instead of using the mobile application “iAM Smart”.
On the use of technology for improving public services, the Administration was urged to further integrate applications and systems for bringing convenience to the public. For instance, members of the public were required to download a separate mobile application for using contactless e-Channel, instead of using the mobile application “iAM Smart”.