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

The US presidential election has captured international media attention over the past year, with its twists and turns worthy of a Hollywood movie, with friends, family members and donors vying to endorse the next president, and some hoping for roles in the new administration.

Unfortunately, Nepotism This is nothing new in American politics, as it is the case in many countries. The preference for relatives or friends in appointments and contracts, often regardless of qualifications, has deep historical roots and remains an important issue in contemporary governance.

During Donald Trump’s first term as President of the United States, one noteworthy example of nepotism was the appointment of his son-in-law, Jared KushnerAs a senior advisor. Critics argued that Kushner lacked the formal qualifications for the role.

I am happy to share with you that my experience in Hong Kong is very different from what we experienced in the United States and elsewhere. You managed Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s campaign when she sought the position of Hong Kong’s chief executive.

It was an absolute prerequisite that all concerned conduct themselves with the highest standards of decency, probity and integrity, recognizing that even a minor oversight could lead to an accusation of political favoritism 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 example of political overreach is US President Joe Biden’s decision to do so pardon His son Hunter, who had been convicted of federal tax charges and gun crimes and was facing sentencing. It contradicts Biden’s promise not to interfere in the judicial process. This intervention raises concerns about the possibility of the current president exploiting the regime for personal gain and sets a worrying precedent.