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Letters | Hong Kong archives law is the final step: first ensure proper records are kept
- Public right to information hinges on an archives law that obliges proper record-keeping
- Missing papers for MTR’s Sha Tin to Central link show why binding legislation is needed
In response to your editorial of April 30, “Time to press ahead with archive law”, I would like to point out that while much has been said about the loss or destruction of documents, it is important to note that the essential first step towards keeping good government archives is the proper creation and management of complete, accurate, reliable and usable public records, including electronic records.
The appraisal and storage of these records, and making these accessible to the public, is only the final step in the process of archiving. An archive law would require this essential first step through to the last one.
For government departments to not create and keep records of the crucial processes towards decision- and policy-making is inexcusable. It demonstrates a serious lack of both good governance and accountability. We have had numerous examples of this, the most recent being the lack of documentation pertaining to the scandalous MTR Sha Tin to Central link construction case. Public safety, the use of public funds, approvals for works – all of this should have been part of government records, and yet, according to press reports, these records are missing.
An archives law would legally bind government departments to be more conscientious and responsible in keeping records of its proceedings. Only when proper records exist would access to information be meaningful and relevant. It is indeed time to press ahead for such a law.
N. Fung, Repulse Bay
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