【明報專訊】JUST days in her office, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah has found herself in an unauthorised building works (UBW) storm. The affair shows there are problems with the government's appointment checks, and the way Cheng has reacted is disappointing. Accountability officials should be capable of dealing with unforeseen situations and turning crises into opportunities. The way Cheng has handled the matter since it came to light has not eased the storm. It has instead caused the public to feel more puzzled. If we say the storm has stemmed from inadequate political sensitivity, now it may become a matter of honesty, credibility and competence. It being Secretary for Justice's duty to safeguard the rule of law, her honesty is of the utmost importance, as is her credibility. The saying that "there are no fish when the water is totally clear" is no excuse for having any UBW. In order to win back public confidence, Cheng must tell all she knows and say it without reserve. She must not resort to sophistry to gloss over her misbehaviour.