Against US nepotism and transparency concerns, Hong Kong’s integrity shines

The US presidential election has occupied international media attention for the past year, its twists and turns worthy of a Hollywood film, with friends, family members and donors vying for the next president’s favour, some hoping for roles in the new administration.

Unfortunately, nepotism in US politics, as in many countries, is nothing new. Favouring relatives or friends with appointments and contracts, often regardless of qualifications, has deep historical roots and remains a significant issue in contemporary governance.

During Donald Trump’s first term as US president, one noteworthy example of nepotism was appointing his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as a senior adviser. Critics argued Kushner lacked the formal qualifications for the role.

I am glad to share that my experience in Hong Kong differs significantly from what we have seen unfold in the United States and elsewhere. I ran Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s campaign when she sought the office of Hong Kong chief executive.

It was an absolute prerequisite that everyone involved act with the highest standards of propriety, probity and integrity, recognising that even a minor oversight could result in an accusation of political favour or other compromises in the future. For example, there are strict limits on a candidate’s campaign financing to avoid conflicts of interest and allegations of quid pro quo arrangements.

A recent glaring instance of political overreach was US President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, who had been convicted of federal tax and gun felonies and was facing sentencing. It contradicted Biden’s promise not to interfere with the judicial process. The intervention raises concerns about a sitting president’s potential to exploit the system for personal gain and sets a worrying precedent.