Hong Kong’s newly-employed Public Servants are to be required to undergo training in the National Security Law in order to complete their three-year probation period, following an announcement by head of the Civil Service Bureau, Patrick Nip.
In addition, existing Public Servants will need to complete the training course as a prerequisite for promotion.
Previously, new and existing employees had been required only to swear allegiance to the Law.
Mr Nip (pictured) said the requirement was aimed at “enhancing Civil Servants’ understanding of the nation’s development and Hong Kong’s constitutional order”.
“Courses on one country, two systems, the nation’s development and Hong Kong’s National Security Law, among other topics, are very basic and very important,” Mr Nip said.
He said the city’s Civil Service College was co-organising monthly talks to “deepen Civil Servants’ knowledge on the international situation and the State’s position” with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The first lecture, Deep Diving into Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Thoughts to Co-create Hong Kong’s Bright Future, had already taken place.
“In the new era, we need a ruling team who love the country, love Hong Kong, and are loyal, professional, efficient, good at their jobs, responsible and hard-working,” Mr Nip said.
“We hope to put officials that show great foresight and both virtue plus ability in their best suited positions,” he said.
Hong Kong, 11 February 2022
