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There have been recent reports about Mr Wong Ho-sang, Commissioner of Inland Revenue (CIR) and his investment. We have looked into our records and interviewed Mr Wong.

According to available records, it does not appear that Mr Wong Ho-sang, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, has declared his investment in J. Enterprise Agency Ltd. despite the requirement under CSB Circular No. 8/98. Furthermore, according to available records, it does not appear that Mr Wong has made any report to Secretary for the Treasury, his current supervisor, about any potential conflict of interest arising from J. Enterprise Secretarial and Taxation Ltd., which is owned by his wife.

Although up to this moment, we have no reason to believe that any conflict of interest has in fact arisen or that the due collection of public moneys has been put at risk, in order to reassure the public, the Chief Executive has requested the Director of Audit to examine the files submitted or represented by J. Enterprise Secretarial and Taxation Ltd. to see whether any has been dealt with personally by CIR since April 1996. The Chief Executive has requested the Director of Audit to satisfy himself that the relevant Ordinances and internal directions and instructions have been duly observed. The Director of Audit has agreed and undertakes to complete the examination within one month for submission of a report to the Chief Executive.

Mr Wong has agreed to take leave with effect from today (Thursday). Mrs Agnes Sin Law Yuk-lin, Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue, will act as Commissioner of Inland Revenue, during Mr Wong's leave. The Acting Commissioner and the staff of the Inland Revenue Department will of course co-operate fully with the Director's examination.

We have a well-established declaration of investment and interest system in the Civil Service. Designated officers are required to declare their private investments to their supervisors on a regular basis. In addition, all officers are required to report to their supervisors on any real or potential conflict of interest which may affect the performance of their official duties.

End/Thursday, June 24, 1999

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