Talking points: The ICAC dropped the investigation into Secretary of Development Paul Chan Mo-po's owning land in Kwu Tung North, a proposed new town site. What are your thoughts?
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Naz Iraj, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College
Former legislator and accountant Mandy Tam Heung-man lodged the complaint against Chan in 2013. Suddenly stopping the investigation after two years is a bit suspicious, especially as it is still unclear why the investigation has been dropped.
As reported in the media, there is concrete evidence that Chan owns land in Kwu Tung, which is a part of the Northeast New Territories Development Plan. I don't get why the investigation has been dropped now. Is the ICAC losing its independence? Is it intimidated by Chan's background? I hope not.
Shirley Tsang, 20, University of Toronto (Canada)
I believe that not pursuing the case further gives the ICAS a bad image. The commission owes the public an explanation as to why they are dropping the investigation. The public will suspect the ICAC of giving Chan special privileges. Hong Kong's image of being a corrupt-free city is at risk.
Timophy Pit Hok-yau, 15, King Ling College
This case leaves a bad impression in people's minds that they can do whatever they want as long as they are powerful. This case has set the worst model for all Hongkongers, and affects the ICAC's reputation. It certainly reveals that Hong Kong is following in the mainland's footsteps in putting some people above the law.
I hope negative reactions will cause the ICAC to do better.
Ernest Leung Lok-hang, 15, La Salle College
Despite the ICAC's decision to drop the investigation, the secretary of development is still the loser. His already low credibility has plummeted further, and his already poor image has been destroyed.
Leaving aside the question of whether the ICAC, an institution under the chief executive, has been impartial in the handling of this issue, the public will always be sceptical. It was an unwise act in the first place for him or his relatives to get themselves engaged in anything whatsoever related to the development in Kwu Tung North. It is quite obvious that the ICAC's decision has in no way helped restore his image.
Sarah Leung Hui-yan, 16, St Teresa Secondary School
I think there may be some political pressure involved here. The ICAC is no longer independent. As Chan is the secretary of Development, the ICAC won't dare take action against him. I'm very disappointed with Hong Kong's current system, because the ICAC is supposed to uphold justice and should try its very best to objectively investigate corruption cases.
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Robert Chow Yung claimed that more than a million people have signed to support the political reform. What are your thoughts on his claim?
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