Hong Kong’s 180,000 Public Servants have been told they may be passed over for promotion if they refuse to pledge allegiance to the city and its mini-constitution.
Secretary for the Civil Service, Patrick Nip Tak-ku said he was preparing for a mass signing of a declaration of loyalty.
Until now only officers hired since July have been required to make the declaration.
Mr Nip said he was discussing with the Department of Justice what steps could be taken against employees who declined to take part.
“Omitting this step is a rather serious matter. Management will, of course, have to look into it,” Mr Nip said.
“At the very least, it will affect promotions,” he said.
Secretary for Financial Services, Christopher Hui Ching-yu said a Bill would be presented to the Legislative Council by the end of next month to ensure lawmakers, judges, principal officials and members of the Council took their oaths of office properly and swore allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as its mini-constitution.
Meanwhile, a freeze on all new all positions in the Public Service has been announced.
If a new post is considered absolutely necessary, it is to be created on a temporary basis.
Chief Executive, Carrie Lam said she had made the decision after lawmakers questioned the Government’s request to create 10 Directorate posts amid the pandemic.
“I understand lawmakers’ concerns and have decided to withdraw all the staff establishment proposals awaiting scrutiny and review them individually,” Ms Lam said.
Hong Kong, 29 November 2020
