Much of Hong Kong’s international reputation rests not on reality, but on regular repetition of what its elite class declares. As a prime example, consider the question of corruption. Is Hong Kong a corrupt city?

Honestly, yes. Blatantly corrupt.

Of course, Hong Kong benefits from looking somewhat clean versus the rampant corruption that blights business and government on the Chinese mainland. Since 1974, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has clamped down on aspects of corruption.

But the ICAC stands powerless against a supreme fraud: the political system. Officials speak of Hong Kong’s chief executive being “elected”, yet he’s selected in Beijing and rubber-stamped by a malleable “committee”. The public votes in “elections”, but can’t choose the government, only a few “opposition legislators”. The chief executive and his henchmen participate in shallow “public consultations”. The Central Government crows that local people rule Hong Kong, yet allows only an obedient few to participate.

Politically, Hong Kong ranks among the world’s most corrupt places. The resulting rot creates a gagging stench. Little wonder that so many citizens choke on the very air they breathe.


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