Controversies
After the big purges of the 1970s, many thought that the ICAC would take a reduced role in society, but despite the fact that their main job was done their influence remained pervasive. Short of voluminous numbers of dramatic cases many ICAC officers left Hong Kong, others remained to enjoy a less taxing life. However, in 1993 their Deputy Director of Operations Alex Tsui Ka-kit was suddenly sacked by Governor Patten who stated that he had 'lost confidence' in Mr. Tsui - a euphemism that strong evidence of corruption or significant wrongdoing existed. The 'Alex Tsui Affair' caused a huge stir in the mid-1990s as Tsui did not go quietly. Indeed he made counter-allegations of misconduct within the ICAC, one of which was that Director of Operations Jim Buckle had 'squashed' an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by an officer called Michael Croft (who was later transferred and forced out of the service). Alex Tsui's continued rantings in the media and Legislative Council did little for the image of ICAC.
A year later at Christmas 1995 an ICAC assistant director - a well known carouser - was arrested for drinking and driving. Following conviction he mysteriously avoided strong punishment and received only a 'reprimand' from the Commissioner of the ICAC.
Read more about this topic: Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)