ABSTRACT
Public interest has long been an issue of debate in the social sciences. The confusion over what constitutes public interest may contribute to the power of bureaucracy in a country, and could result in unilateral decisions on their part. In the absence of effective institutions to monitor the operation of the bureaucracy, officials often use the promotion of public interest as a rationalisation of their decisions and actions. The media was quick to sense the potential for public interest in the case and soon a large number of journalists were investigating Leung's private life. Government evasiveness became a subject of debate between key public figures. Legislators were concerned that the secrecy was the result of a contravention of public interest. The Committee accepts that the Government's motive was out of public interest reasons, and not for the purpose of concealing misconduct. In view of the lack of consensus regarding the substance of public interest, Harmon tried to redefine the concept.
