No harm done, says scandal-hit ex-chief of ICAC Timothy Tong
Timothy Tong insists worldwide reputation of anti-corruption agency will not be hurt by investigations into budget-busting dinners
Former chief graft-buster Timothy Tong Hin-ming says he does not believe an investigation into his hospitality expenses will affect the anti-corruption agency's reputation.
Speaking to journalists after attending a Legislative Council Public Accounts Committee hearing yesterday, he said the Independent Commission Against Corruption was reputable and influential.
"I believe this investigation will not affect the international reputation of the ICAC," he said, without taking any questions from the media.
His remarks were rejected by former ICAC investigator Lam Cheuk-ting, who said: "It is ridiculous. What he has done has seriously damaged the ICAC's reputation."
At the beginning of the hearing, the committee received a letter from Director of Public Prosecutions Kevin Zervos reminding members to "protect the integrity of the [criminal] investigation" because questions pertaining to it might be asked.
Some lawmakers expressed concerns over Zervos' letter at the hearing and a later House Committee meeting, saying the government should not remind the legislature what to do.