B. Role of the ICAC -
On February 1, 1977, 3 teachers, accompanied by Mr. Szeto
Wah, President of the Professional Teachers' Union, went to see
Mr. Jack Cater, the Commissioner of ICAC, with a view to seeking
advice from him.
1. How the ICAC viewed the matter
At the meeting, the teachers gave Mr. Cater a very detailed
report on the abuses and misappropriation of school funds.
They
also indicated to Mr. Cater that the funds were channelled to a
bank account of the religious order. Mr. Cater said that the funds
might be used for charitable purposes but the teachers pointed out
that the Church should not use unethical, or possibly illegal
means to exploit students and the janitor staff to raise money
for charitable purposes. Then Mr. Cater explained very clearly
that the ICAC would only deal with cases that involved criminal
intention and that the ICAC would only take action if there was
formal complaint. The three teachers agreed to lodge a formal
complaint on the understanding that:
a
i) The ICAC would handle the case if there was evidence
of corruption.
ii) If evidence was inadequate, the ICAC would not take
any action.
iii) If evidence of criminal offence was detected, the ICAC
would transfer the case to the Police without having to consult
the teachers.
iv) If irregularities were found but neither corruption
nor criminal offence was involved, the case would be transferred
to the appropriate department, such as the Education Department,
with the permission of the complainant.
v) If the teachers were found to be supplying false
information, the ICAC would take appropriate action against the
complainants.
2.
Actions taken by the ICAC after the complaint
On February 12, 1977, investigators of the ICAC first
contacted the school-bookkeeper, Miss Kwok Pui-ti.
9
She was asked