Hong Kong's overall corruption situation remains steady with a total of 3,450 corruption reports received in the last 11 months, down 14 percent over the same period of last year, said Raymond Chien Kuo-fung, chairman of Hong Kong's Advisory Committee on Corruption here Tuesday.

Of the 3,450 reports, 2,004 were related to the private sector. Reports against the Police registered a drop of 18 percent from 493 to 403. Reports relating to other government departments decreased by 17 percent from 943 to 778.

Reports against public bodies registered a drop of 5 percent from 280 to 265. In addition, 593 election complaints were received.

However, the commission prosecuted 443 persons during the period, an increase of 14 percent over the figure of 388 for the corresponding period in 2003.

During the year, the commission has undertaken a number of assignment studies for government departments and public bodies, particularly in the area of public works and financial sector, said Chien.

To enhance the ethical practices in the business sector, the commission has produced an information package for distribution to listed companies. In addition, the commission launched and distributed an information kit for cross-boundary businessmen through various business chambers and trade organizations, he said.

Source: Xinhua