ICAC is not a political tool: Simon Peh

Independent Commission Against Corruption is not a political tool, commissioner Simon Peh Yun-lu said.

His comment came after ICAC prosecuted Cantopop singer Anthony Wong Yiu-ming and former lawmaker Au Nok-hin, after Wong sang in a performance during Au's election campaign in 2018. They were ordered to a 18-month bind over for HK$2,000.

Peh said he would not comment on an individual case, but one cannot offer drinks or entertainment to the public to tempt them into voting for a candidate. If there are performances in election campaigns, they could be seen as entertainment.

He rejected accusations that ICAC is making “political prosecutions”. The graft watchdog does not have any political leaning, and will investigate any cases worth following up. It will not take into consideration the identity, status and political affiliation of those involved.

As the election for election committee members will start on August 19, ICAC has started reaching out to election candidates and citizens to step up anti-corruption work.

After authorities made electoral changes, it will be illegal to incite people to cast blank votes or not to vote in upcoming elections. ICAC will monitor comments made on the internet, and will demand internet platforms remove questionable content, Peh said.

Obstructing family members from voting will also be illegal. Hiding the Hong Kong identity cards of elderly people or taking them to a trip so that they won't be able to vote could constitute offenses, he warned.

Asked if a citizen will break the law by revealing that he would cast a blank vote, Peh said it would fall into grey area. The same would go for posts calling upon the public “not to cast a blank vote” with fake enthusiasm.

The chief called upon members of the public not to test limits of the law.