Some Hong Kong Public Servants lack a national identity and others have a “hitchhiker” attitude which must be rectified, according to the head of the region’s Civil Service College, Oscar Kwok Yam-shu.
However, in a radio interview, Mr Kwok (pictured) said Public Servants were highly qualified and rejected claims that the college was set up to rein in staff.
He said the lack of national identity was a historical issue, caused by education during British rule, which “deliberately concealed part of modern history”.
The former head of the Police Training College, Mr Kwok said Public Servants might not need the disciplinary training of the police force but they should be self-disciplined and have integrity and the right mindset.
He cited the courses Public Servants would need to pass and said failures would be dealt with by their Departments’ human resources area.
“Even if one is knowledgeable and skilful, if they cannot change their mindset, it will only be a waste of resources,” Mr Kwok said.
He plans to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore to learn more about their operation of Public Service academies.
He said he would also invite former Chief Executives, former senior Government officials and business leaders to give lectures.
Asked to elaborate on his hitchhiker comment, Mr Kwok said it described people who wanted the same treatment but who did not want to put in the effort.
The College, temporarily located in North Point, is now operational and new recruits must complete training there before they can pass their probationary period.
Hong Kong, 4 October 2022
