Hong Kong must uphold its zero-tolerance attitude towards graft to maintain the city's clean reputation and competitive edge, Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner Fanny Law says.

In an article posted on the ICAC website today, Mrs Law said although Hong Kong has a good image, the commission must continue its efforts in investigating, preventing and education against graft.

"Despite a continual decline in corruption reports, rapid advancement in information technology and accelerated globalisation have made corruption crimes increasingly complex in nature, posing more difficulties for our investigators," she said.

She looks forward to the completion of the new ICAC headquarters building next fall, which will provide a better working environment and improved training facilities, enhancing operational efficiency.

Fruitful year

On the law enforcement front, Mrs Law said 2006 was fruitful and rewarding for the anti-graft body's Operations Department, with a record case-based conviction rate of 88% in the first eleven months.

"Corruption is inherently a secretive crime and difficult to investigate. Successful prosecutions require that investigators must be able to collect solid and strong evidence through meticulous planning and in full compliance with stringent procedures," she said.

"On top of all these, they must be able to withstand the rigorous challenges in court."