Independent statutory bodies are agents of 'small' government, set up to carry out functions previously performed by a department or new roles, such as in the areas of privacy or equal opportunities. They share responsibility in maintaining trust in the rules and conventions of a fair and open society.
Funded by the taxpayer, they are rightly expected to observe rigorous standards of accountability and transparency. When they are shown to have fallen short of these standards they risk compromising the independence that goes to the heart of public confidence in them.
The news that privacy commissioner Roderick Woo Bun has declined to renew his deputy Tony Lam Wing-hong's contract to safeguard the 'best interests of the commission' adds to growing concern over recent blunders and scandals involving these independent bodies.
Mr Lam is being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption over allegations he abused his position when acting commissioner by organising eight business trips, some of which allowed him to visit his family in Australia.
Last month, Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Raymond Tang Yee-bong convened a board meeting to rebut media allegations that he had had too many overseas trips and lunch meetings with members. Mr Tang succeeded Michael Wong Kin-chow earlier this year as part of an overhaul of the EOC, following scandals surrounding the dismissal of a veteran human-rights activist.
There have also been allegations that the Tourism Board has been guilty of nepotism when hiring senior staff.