Integrity in public office
I refer to the column headlined 'Benevolent despotism is no vote winner' (January 6).
By his own admission, Jake van der Kamp relied on what came out of RTHK radio news without reading the original text of my letter to youths. The newscast quoted me out of context. This is an example of how messages can be distorted and perpetuated, creating more misunderstanding.
The theme of my latest letter to youth is 'integrity' which I emphasised is the cornerstone of one's character. In the letter, I explained what integrity entails, for example, keeping one's promise, consistency of words and acts, and high moral standards. I gave examples of how integrity could affect one's credibility and interpersonal relations, and a society's stability.
In this context, I quoted the Gallup International Millennium Survey (GIMS), and suggested that all politicians reflect on why democratic institutions around the world fail to command people's trust. The underlying message is that people who hold public office must demonstrate a high level of integrity. The lesson from the GIMS is relevant to Hong Kong as we move progressively towards a higher degree of democracy.
Nowhere in the article have I suggested that 'democracy is a demonstrable failure', nor did I advocate 'benevolent despotism'. Even if we accept Van der Kamp's assertion that 'democracy may be a bad system of government', we can make it better. Integrity is a personal choice, as I said in my letter. I hope this clears the air and stops further misinformed comments.
FANNY LAW, Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower
