Editorial | Ombudsman reports and archives should be readily accessible in Hong Kong
Decision to remove records published before April 2023 from its website is surprising and disappointing. It must be reconsidered
Hong Kong’s Ombudsman’s office, which celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, has an important role to play in ensuring government departments and public bodies exercise good governance and avoid maladministration.
Over the years, one of the principles the independent body has rightly championed is transparency, notably the preservation of archives and public access to information.
It is therefore a matter of concern that the Ombudsman has decided to remove records, including investigation reports, published before April 2023 from its website.
These documents will not be destroyed but public access to them has been made much more difficult, requiring the filling in of an application form. This is surprising and disappointing.
Explanations provided for the move, which has attracted criticism from some lawmakers, are unconvincing. A statement by the office said it had removed content that “no longer reflects the current situation” and is outdated or even misleading.
This is questionable.
The reports and other documents reflect the position existing at the time they were published. They are an important resource and form part of Hong Kong’s history. The archives should be readily accessible.