OMBUDSMAN Andrew So Kwok-wing has won praise for pointing out government injustice wherever he finds it - but his success is forcing him to work ever harder.
In his first 15 months as Commissioner for Administrative Complaints, the former primary school teacher and legislator has seen his workload increase eight-fold.
'If the public wants me to do more, of course I don't mind extending my working hours,' Mr So said.
In his office is a calligraphy scroll he did himself, warning Hong Kong civil servants: 'Be sensible and reasonable, and justice will clear you from darkness.' Mr So works six days a week, rising at 5 am to exercise, read or practise his calligraphy before going to the office, where he remains into the evening.
'It is very judgmental work. Calligraphy helps me to remain calm, concentrate and be patient,' he said.
Mr So, 55, took over from Arthur Garcia in February 1994, to challenge government maladministration on behalf of the public.