China Looks to Hong Kong Graft Buster in Anti-Bribery Fight
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In 1970s Hong Kong, graft was so bad expectant mothers had to bribe hospital orderlies for a glass of water or a bedpan. Today corruption monitor Transparency International ranks Hong Kong 15th cleanest of 177 countries.
The city is transformed. Government services from birth certificates to driving licenses are produced with efficiency and ease. Public hospitals charge HK$100 ($12.90) a day for intensive care, or even sometimes waive all fees. The gambling monopoly, run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has become the city’s biggest taxpayer.