Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee has announced the launch of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance for Public Servants who show “excellence” in their work.
However, under new reforms aimed at strengthening the bureaucracy’s reward and punishment system, those whose performance “remains persistently sub-standard despite supervision and assistance” are to be fired.
The Award is expected to be implemented in the second quarter of 2023 and presented every three-to-six months.
Mr Lee (pictured) said Public Servants chosen for the award would be praised publicly however, there would be no concrete rewards, such as a cash prize or additional annual leave.
Meanwhile, the Code of Service for Government employees is to be updated to make sure Public Servants have a strong awareness of the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development.
“They should put the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong into practice,” Mr Lee said.
“Civil Servants will be provided with training to deepen their understanding of One Country, Two System, contemporary China and global affairs.”
In a surprise development, the Chief Executive said personnel from various Departments would be called upon to cope with “major incidents” that required deployment of considerable manpower, with regular drills conducted.
According to Government sources, Departments are formulating a list of personnel who could be deployed under an Enhanced Mobilisation Protocol.
More than 10,000 Public Servants are expected to join the roster.
It remains unclear what circumstances may trigger a Government-wide mobilisation, or which officials would have the power to activate the protocol.
Hong Kong, 21 October 2022
