The Independent Commission Against Corruption has a department that advises on arrangements to avoid the dangers or temptations of graft, whether in the public or private sectors. It should take a close look at the Community Care Fund, the new 'charity' to be created by the government with a mix of public and tycoon money.
Of course it will not do so, being directly under Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, who proposed the 'charity' administered by bureaucrats. I am astonished that respected people on the Executive Council have consented to this.
Do not imagine that government itself is incapable of corruption. It is not a law unto itself. It is guardian of the public interest. If any part of government gives favours to particular companies or groups in exchange for contributions to this 'charity', that would be corruption.
Why would tycoons and their companies want to contribute to a government 'charity' if not to expect something in return? Why would the tycoon representatives be so keen to propose such a government 'charity' to which they would contribute some big cheques?
It is not just me who assumes that a policy linkage is likely. This is what that astute, must-read South China Morning Post columnist Shirley Yam, wrote - and no official has dared contradict it: 'Within 24 hours of its announcement by Tsang in his policy speech, various tycoons and their listed arms issued statements pledging hundreds of millions. It all smelt of orchestrated co-operation, if not compromise. It may appear that the tycoons have lost a few dimes. But think about the alternative, and you will see how good they are with numbers.'
In short, they have paid a small, one-off capital sum to try to improve their image and take the heat out of demands they be subject to higher tax, a big increase in land sales and a modicum of regulation of their antisocial activities. What can they buy next with another contribution to this fund? Further delays in small-lot land auctions? Continued refusal to tackle lawlessness in New Territories land use?
Don't tell me that there is nothing political in a fund with a likely payout of less than HK$300 million a year being administered by Henry Tang Ying-yen, the former textile- quota farmer who is now chief secretary and aspires to be chief executive.