Anti-Corruption Work Before 1974: As early as 1898,
bribery was made an offence with the enactment of the
Misdemeanours Punishment Ordinance. Replaced by the
Prevention of Corruption Ordinance in 1948, the legislation
was enforced by the Anti-Corruption Office of the Police
Force. In May 1971, the Ordinance was further
strengthened with new offences, heavier penalties and
stronger investigative powers to become the Prevention of
Bribery Ordinance of today.
In June 1973, a police chief superintendent fled Hong
Kong while under investigation by the Anti-Corruption
Office. The then Governor, Lord Murray MacLehose,
appointed a Commission of Inquiry to look into the
circumstances of the case, advise on the effectiveness of
the anti-corruption laws and suggest possible
amendments. In response to the findings of the
Commission of Inquiry and prevailing public opinion, the
Governor set up an independent organisation to tackle
corruption, heralding a new era in the fight against
corruption.