Government sets up Independent Review Committee on ICAC's Regulatory Systems and Procedures for handling Official Entertainment, Gifts and Duty Visits
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     The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, announced today (May 2) the establishment of an Independent Review Committee on ICAC's Regulatory Systems and Procedures for handling Official Entertainment, Gifts and Duty Visits.

     Since recent media reports on the handling of official entertainment, gifts and duty visits by the former Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Mr Timothy Tong, have given rise to wide community concerns, the Chief Executive announced the establishment of a four-member Independent Review Committee, with the Chairmen of three advisory committees that oversee the work of ICAC as well as Chairman of the ICAC Complaints Committee as members.

     The Independent Review Committee will comprise the Chairman of Advisory Committee on Corruption, Mr Chow Chung-kong (Chairman); Chairman of Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee, Mr Albert Au Siu-cheung; Chairman of Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations, Professor John Leong Chi-yan; and Chairman of ICAC Complaints Committee, Dr Leong Che-hung.

     The terms of reference of the Independent Review Committee are:

(a) To review ICAC's regulatory systems and procedures for handling expenses on official entertainment, gifts and duty visits, including arrangements for application, reimbursement and approval;

(b) To review the compliance of ICAC staff of all ranks during the term of the former Commissioner, ICAC with the regulatory systems and procedures; and

(c) To make recommendation on any measure conducive to improving the above systems and procedures.

     The Independent Review Committee will be responsible to the Chief Executive, and will submit its report to the Chief Executive within four months. The report of the Committee will be released to the public, except any part which may need to be dealt with separately for legal reasons.

Ends/Thursday, May 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:19

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