What Contributed to the Rampant Corruption in Hong Kong During the 1960's and 70's?

Fighting corruption has always been a challenge for governments around the world. When left alone it is a problem that can permeate through all levels of society, slowly picking apart entire countries by deteriorating social, economical and political welfare. As many historians could attest to, corruption in Hong Kong had reached new heights during the 1960’s to 1970’s and attacked multiple layers of its society. The first part of this report will investigate and discuss the reasons behind the growing trend of corruption and part two will subsequently discuss how the problem had affected Hong Kong socially and politically.

Arguably, the most crucial factor that contributed to the rise of corruption in Hong Kong was the fact that corruption had been long since embedded into traditional Chinese values, attitudes and customs. Since ancient times in China superstitious beliefs had shaped Chinese morality to be lenient and accepting of corruption as a way of life. For example since the reign of dynasts in China it was not uncommon for peasants to present gifts or special payments to government officials for acts they had done and their help. However, this was not seen as a form of corruption but rather a display of courtesy and appreciation.

In addition, as Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr suggested in his second report of the Commission of inquiry, the line between government and citizen had become incredibly blurred especially towards the end of Qing rule. Instead of going through imperial examinations (which scholars could have often bribed their way through) to get appointed to office, more often than not being, appointed as an official was simply an act of grace by the Emperor. As a consequence, these officials failed to develop any sense of duty to the community and simply carried out acts as favours on a quid pro quo basis. Over time this helped mould the moral and cultural acceptance of bribery and corruption as a way of life for the tradition Chinese.

The...