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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Independent Review Committee on the Prevention and Handling of Potential Conflicts of Interests:
The Independent Review Committee for the Prevention and Handling of Potential Conflicts of Interests (the Independent Review Committee) invites public submissions on the existing regulatory frameworks and procedures for the prevention and handling of potential conflicts of interests concerning the Chief Executive, Members of the Executive Council, and Politically-Appointed Officials.
The Chairman of the Independent Review Committee, Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li, said, "A clean government is a core value of Hong Kong society. It is of crucial importance for the public to have full confidence in the system for the prevention and handling of potential conflicts of interests concerning the highest public offices. We appreciate that this review is of widespread concern to the citizens of Hong Kong, so we are inviting views widely from the public."
Any individuals, institutions or organisations, including current and previous holders of those public offices covered by the review, may submit their views to the Independent Review Committee by mail, facsimile or email on or before April 16, 2012.
By post: Independent Review Committee for the
Prevention and Handling of Potential
Conflicts of Interests
8/F, West Wing,
Central Government Offices,
11 Ice House Street,
Central, Hong Kong
By fax: (852) 2971 0902
By email: irc_secretariat@irc.gov.hk
Those who would like to make submissions are reminded to indicate if they wish to remain anonymous when their views are published, or if they do not want their views to be published. Unless otherwise specified, all submissions will be treated as public information and will be publicised. More information is available on the website of the Independent Review Committee (www.irc.gov.hk). A public forum will also be organised around mid-April, the details of which will be announced in due course.
Appointed by the Chief Executive, the Independent Review Committee is chaired by Mr Li and comprises four other members, Mr Lawrence Fung, Professor Liu Pak-wai, Mr Thomas Brian Stevenson and Mr Stephen Yau.
The Independent Review Committee has the following terms of reference:
(a) to review the existing regulatory frameworks and procedures for the prevention and handling of potential conflicts of interests concerning the Chief Executive, Non-Official Members of the Executive Council, and Officials under the Political Appointment System respectively, including the arrangements for declaration of investments/interests and acceptance of advantage/entertainment/hospitality;
(b) in light of the review, to make recommendations on the existing frameworks and procedures, including changes and revisions where appropriate; and
(c) to submit a report with recommendations to the Chief Executive within three months.
Ends/Thursday, March 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:01
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