Public Order 335
earned the support of 98 per cent of respondents, according to an annual opinion survey.
To keep various public elections held in the year clean and fair, the ICAC introduced a series of comprehensive education and publicity programmes to remind candidates, their agents and electors to abide by relevant laws and regulations. The commission received 653 election-related reports in 2011.
Arising from the 2011 District Council Election, there were huge public concerns over vote-rigging allegations. The commission was quick to respond by establishing a dedicated task force within its Operations Department to undertake substantive investigations.
Hong Kong continued to play an active role in the global campaign against corruption. Entrusted by the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, the commission hosted an international anti-corruption public announcement video competition and workshop in December. A global rendezvous was thus provided for over 200 graft busters, media experts and academics from around the world to share experience in using the media to engage the public in the anti-corruption drive.
Law enforcement
The commission faced a substantial workload on the law enforcement front. At year's end, 2 250 cases, including 464 related to elections, were under investigation. During the year, 283 people were prosecuted for corruption and related offences while 54 were cautioned for minor offences on the advice of the Department of Justice. Of the completed prosecutions, 84 per cent resulted in convictions.
Apart from allegations of corruption and misconduct involving public servants, the ICAC also investigated suspected cases of commercial fraud and listing improprieties facilitated by bribery. Prompt actions were taken to tackle corrupt activities arising from the sale of high-demand goods such as smart phones, tablet computers and baby milk powder.
Prevention and education
In the year, comprehensive corruption prevention guides were tailor-made to address issues of public concern, including the management of obstetric services at private hospitals, the administration of public funding schemes and governance of national sports associations.
A joint working group with representatives of 11 tertiary education institutions (TEls) was formed to consider measures to further strengthen governance at TEls. A consolidated guidebook covering administration of donations, technology transfer and commercialisation, outside practice, procurement, and financial reporting was compiled for the reference of these institutions.
A total of 71 detailed studies were conducted for government departments and public bodies to help them strengthen internal controls and reduce opportunities for abuses in different areas. In parallel, expeditious advice was given to these
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