ENG-2004 — Page 425

Public Order | 363

people through the mass media, the Internet, interactive drama performances and family-based programmes.

In the run-up to the Legislative Council Election in September, the department disseminated the 'Support Clean Elections' message through a media campaign, an enquiry hotline and an election website. ICAC representatives also attended briefing sessions organised by the Electoral Affairs Commission to explain the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance to candidates, election agents and helpers.

To mark the Commission's 30th anniversary, community-based activities were organised to sustain public support for the anti-corruption cause. These included an ICAC open day, roving exhibitions and a charity walk. Together, these activities drew over 440 000 people.

In addition, a five-episode drama series, 'ICAC Investigators 2004', based on completed ICAC cases, was broadcast in April and May. To further enhance the Commission's transparency, a web channel the ICAC Channel was launched in June to keep the public updated on ICAC's activities.

International Cooperation

The ICAC maintains regular operational liaison with overseas law enforcement agencies. During the year, it received over 332 visitors to exchange experience with law enforcement agencies and other organisations from various countries.

A delegation from the Korea Independent Commission Against Corruption visited the Commission in March to study its anti-corruption strategies. In June, the ICAC shared its experience with a delegation from the Republic of Madagascar. In December, the President of the International Court of Justice called on the ICAC to learn about the latest developments in Hong Kong's anti-corruption work.

Cross-boundary Liaison

Cooperation between the ICAC and Mainland anti-corruption authorities has become increasingly important with closer economic ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The ICAC and the Mainland procuratorate authorities continued to assist each other in interviewing voluntary witnesses in connection with corruption investigations under the Mutual Case Assistance Scheme. During the year, ICAC investigators visited the Mainland on 50 occasions to interview witnesses while Mainland officers visited Hong Kong for the same purpose on 68 occasions.

Checks and Balances

The operation of the ICAC is subject to a stringent system of checks and balances.

Apart from judicial supervision, the Commission's work is scrutinised by four advisory committees the Advisory Committee on Corruption, the Operations Review Committee, the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations.