CLOSE UP
PHILOSOPHIES OF THE GRAFT FIGHTERS
Sally Kwan, Secretary, ICAC Use of Chinese Steering Committee
Behind determined and iron faces, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) officers do have warm hearts. So said the former ICAC Commissioner, Alan Lai, in the preface to a book of short stories composed by ICAC colleagues in the Sunshine Stories Writing Competition.
Mr Lai described the book - ICAC Sunshine Stories - as "a collection of striving accounts witnessed or experienced by our colleagues..... The stories reflect ICAC's tenacity to fight corruption with an indomitable spirit."
The competition, organised by the ICAC Use of Chinese Steering Committee and the ICAC Staff Club between May 2001 and February 2002, was designed to promote Chinese writing and encourage colleagues to share their personal experiences or inspiring stories, which they learned or witnessed in life and work.
There were many profound philosophies among the entries, reflecting the inner hearts of our law enforcers. And to quote some of them:
"We grasp opportunities to make money, yet overlook
our parents and children because we want to offer a better life to them...but
how could we have a better future if we ignore the present? The sun is with
you: let those who give you warmth also be warmed."
'Old Cow and Siu Fei' by Lee Kuen
"When we can no longer retrieve a lost item, we
ought to accept or find a replacement and, more importantly, to treasure more
what we possess."
'Reminiscence' by New Man
"I have experienced life to death, death to life
...and have learned to treasure love, give up stubbornness...Instead of allowing
our organs to decay or be cremated, why don't we donate them to the people in
need to ease their pain?"
The Heart-Transplanter'
Interviewee - Chiu Wan-hoi
Interviewer - Char Sik-ngo
"A severe storm, no matter how heavy the rain is,
will eventually stop. The sun will shine!"
'Are You also an Angle to Others?' by Char Sik-ngo
"The students in Ebenezer School have taught me
to see the world not only with my eyes but with my senses. When I can't see
well, the senses are even more real, more wonderful!"
'Wishes of the Children' by Kwok Wai-yin
"The children all smiled brightly. There were no
signs of dejection brought about by the poverty-stricken-mountainous-lifestyle...The
teachers there had a clear mission. They have set a good example and influenced
the children deeply."
'Visit School Children in the Mountainous District ' by The Muddled
"Being totally responsible is a requisite to live
life to its fullest... because it is the essence of life..... despite the brambles
ahead, the willingness to accept and be responsible is the precious attribute
of the human spirit."
'Present Choices' by Kong Yuk-ying
The stories scintillate with sunshine. Deputy Commissioner, Tony Kwok, says in the book that when we are faced with "the pressures of life and work and the friction of human interaction, we often forget the good moments in life and the bright side of human nature. When people indulge in their thoughts too deeply, they become resentful and dissatisfied, melancholic and despondent." The stories might teach us to "unleash our stubbornness...let the warmth of the sunshine and compassion drive away the coolness and hostility".
Last updated on 30 July 2002