【明報專訊】COMMISSIONER on Interception of Communications and Surveillance Woo Kwok-hing has released his 2008 annual report. The irregularities listed in it are similar to those listed in previous ones. However, it is clear from the report that some law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) and law-enforcement officers (LEOs) have held the watchdog's functions in contempt. When Hong Kong obtained legislation governing such interceptions, citizens' biggest worry was that LEOs might abuse the power and infringe on privacy and human rights. It would do Hong Kong much harm if ineffective supervision allowed LEOs to act recklessly. In our view, the government should adopt Mr Justice Woo's proposal that LEAs be required to retain all information on such interceptions so that examinations can be carried out as required. Furthermore, to protect citizens' rights adequately, the government should expressly order that LEAs should severely punish violators of the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance (ICSO).