TOWARDS AN ACCOUNTABLE AND QUALITY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG: REDRESSING ADMINISTRATIVE GRIEVANCES THROUGH THE OMBUDSMAN

ABSTRACT

Following considerable public pressure, in 1989, the Hong Kong government followed many other countries and established an Ombudsman. The establishment of the post has to be seen in the context of the political awakening of Hong Kong and demands for a more accountable and client-oriented public service. Previously, complaints of maladministration in Hong Kong were dealt with under a diffuse and fragmentary system which lacked effective powers. Effective legal action against the government for maladministration is also severely constrained by a number of factors. This article traces the growth of the Ombudsman concept and jurisdiction in Western countries over the last few decades and outlines the structure and jurisdiction of the Ombudsman's office in Hong Kong by way of comparison. The effectiveness of the Hong Kong Ombudsman is then evaluated by a detailed analysis of his achievements over the last ten years in combating maladministration, and his role in three high profile cases. These cases also elucidate some of the limitations inherent in the Ombudsman's role. Lastly the future of the Ombudsman in Hong Kong is explored. It is concluded that the Office of Ombudsman has scored initial success in Hong Kong public administration, and has enhanced government efficiency as well as satisfying public needs and filling a major gap in the system of public redress. However, problems of continuing resources and mapping out a sustainable ethos remain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This article is prepared under the project “Alternative Delivery Systems for Public Services in Hong Kong” funded by the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (project no. HKP 8/95). We would like to thank the constructive comments from the two anonymous readers.