XN000022-1994-12-23 — Page 3

1.

Transcript of Governor's media session

The following is a transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after receiving the ICAC Review Committee Report from Dr Helmut Sohmen this (Friday) morning:

Governor: Good morning. Dr Sohmen has presented me the report of the ICAC Review Committee. I'd just like to place on record my gratitude, the Administration's gratitude, the community's gratitude to Dr Sohmen, Professor Lieh Mak and all the members of the Committee for a job extremely well done. I think the whole community recognises the importance of a credible and effective ICAC if we're to protect the rule of law and prevent the corrosive influence of, and impact of, corruption. I am extremely pleased with the work of Dr Sohmen's Committee has done which, I think, will enhance the position of the ICAC. We'll obviously be studying the report and all its details over the next few weeks and coming to conclusions as rapidly as possible. But, this is a difficult job which has been carried out extremely swiftly. I know how much effort and time has been involved from all sides. I'd just want to say that I am very pleased with the report and very grateful for the work that has been done. There is a press conference, I think you know, this afternoon when Dr Sohmen and Mrs Lieh Mak and colleagues will be answering questions. Thank you very much indeed.

End/Friday, December 23, 1994

Governor receives ICAC Review Committee report

The Chairman of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Review Committee, Dr Helmut Sohmen, has presented the committee's report to the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, this (Friday) morning.

The committee was set up in February to advise the Governor on whether the ICAC's powers remain appropriate, necessary and sufficient and whether the ICAC's present systems of accountability for the exercise of the powers are adequate or should be modified.

The Governor said he was grateful to the members of the committee for all the work they had put into the report and would like to thank all those who contributed towards the review exercise.