The Hong Kong government "sets rules" for civil servants: they must be loyal to the country and the current chief executive
According to Hong Kong media reports, the SAR government recently released an updated version of the "Civil Service Code" consultation draft, which lists 12 basic beliefs that civil servants must abide by. While retaining the requirement of "political neutrality", it also requires civil servants to "resolutely safeguard national security". "Comprehensively and accurately implement the 'one country, two systems' policy" and other words.
The 12 basic beliefs that civil servants abide by are: safeguarding the constitutional order and national security, putting people first, being enthusiastic about public services, being loyal to their duties, adhering to the rule of law, being honest and upright, political neutrality, professionalism, team spirit, efficiency-oriented, Performance accountability and confidentiality.
A new chapter on national security was added to the consultation draft, pointing out that civil servants have an unshirkable responsibility for safeguarding national security. All civil servants must lead by example, earnestly perform their duties in safeguarding national security, and effectively prevent, stop and punish behaviors and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the Hong Kong National Security Law and other relevant legal provisions.
Secretary for the Civil Service Bureau of the SAR Government, Ms Yeung Ho-bei-yin, said that "loyalty, wholeheartedness and integrity" are the essence of the updated version of the Civil Service Code. Civil servants must be loyal to the country and the current Chief Executive, perform their duties sincerely and to the best of their ability; and they need to hone their integrity. , abide by the basic beliefs of civil servants, maintain personal integrity, take serving the public as their own responsibility, and take the public interest as their priority.
The SAR government has previously explained that some people have misinterpreted the meaning of "political neutrality" in the past, and civil servants must be discerning and vigilant about this. "Political neutrality" must be based on loyalty to the country and the Hong Kong SAR.
Yeung Ho-Bei-yin expressed the hope that the updated version of the Civil Service Code will allow all civil servants to have a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities, serve Hong Kong society with the same set of goals and values, and align with the national development strategy.
The current SAR Government's "Code for Civil Servants" was promulgated in 2009 and is still in use today. As society's expectations and requirements for the SAR government and civil servants are increasing, the SAR government believes that it is necessary to update the Code to clarify the basic beliefs and standards of conduct that civil servants should have today, as well as the constitutional foundation and order of the Hong Kong SAR, and to help civil servants understand Their constitutional roles and responsibilities as members of the executive.
The Civil Service Bureau of the SAR Government stated that if you have any comments on the consultation draft of the Civil Service Code, you can submit it on or before January 19 next year. The SAR government will consider the opinions of all parties, finalize the updated version of the Civil Service Code, and promulgate it.
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