THE release of yesterday's report brought to an end a 10-month inquiry which was set up under Section 9 (1) of the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance.
It was the first time legislators had exercised the power to summon any witness and ask for any documents. Evidence given is protected from criminal proceedings.
The chairman of the Security Panel, Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, said the panel had achieved its purpose, although its final views concurred with those of Bertrand de Speville and it failed to prove or disprove racism or political vetting in the ICAC.
'We are a little wiser and a little bit more knowledgeable,' she said.
She said every minute was spent meaningfully. Doubts surrounding the dismissal had been cleared and the issue looked at independently.
Deputy chairman James To Kun-sun said the inquiry was set up to look into the dismissal 'not to investigate the impropriety of any department'.
Mrs Chow said, although their recommendations had no statutory backing, she believed public pressure would force the administration and the ICAC to take a serious look at them.
