The new head of Hong Kong’s Public Service said the more than 170,000 Government workers have a strong obligation to uphold political neutrality.
Patrick Nip Tak-kuen (pictured) promised that any violations of this principle “would be dealt with very seriously”.
His comments were quickly followed by a wave of supporting comments from various political and legal pundits, indicating a much tougher line was going to be taken against any Public Servant found participating in pro-democracy demonstrations.
Mr Nip made the remarks a day after he was assigned to the post after serving as Hong Kong’s Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.
At a press briefing at the Legislative Council, Mr Nip said the Civil Service Code required Public Servants to serve the Government of the Special Administrative Region “with total loyalty to the best of their abilities”.
“Civil Servants’ political beliefs should not impede them in performing their official duties or leave any impression of a conflict of interest,” Mr Nip said.
“Through established mechanisms, we will deal very seriously with any Civil Servant found to have violated these principles or to have participated in unlawful activities.”
He noted that during last year’s social unrest, some Public Servants had been found to have breached the Code by taking part “in unlawful assemblies, or issuing anti-Government statements”.
At least 43 Public Servants have been arrested on suspicion of participating in unauthorised protests since June, with most suspended from their duties.
Vice-President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, Lau Siu-kai said such misconduct had undermined the Government’s efficiency and authority.
“The Government should punish people who violate this principle, while increasing other Civil Servants’ awareness of their obligations through education,” Professor Lau said.
“Observing the Code of conduct and upholding professional ethics are the most basic requirements of the Civil Service,” he said.
Hong Kong, 25 April, 2020
