Restoring trust must be a priority

After less than two weeks in office Development Secretary Mak Chai-kwong has resigned, just as graft-busters confirmed he had been arrested for allegedly violating the bribery law in relation to government housing allowances. The scandal has dealt a heavy blow to the new government's authority. Worse, it has further undermined the public's confidence in clean government.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has yet to release the full details of its investigation. Earlier, Mak, a veteran civil servant, and another senior colleague were found to have cross-leased their flats while claiming rent allowance in the mid-1980s. Although this was said to have been common practice among civil servants at the time, it does not ease concerns of possible abuse. Mak has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but he reneged on a promise to give an account of his dealings on Wednesday. The case has aroused serious public concern. It is imperative that the commission and the Department of Justice handle it impartially.

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