Political assistants may face pay cut

Political assistants have been widely criticised for being overpaid. Now they could see their salaries cut by as much as 40 per cent, says the secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs.

Raymond Tam Chi-yuen admitted that the role of a political assistant was comparable to that of a senior administrative officer. Yet political assistants receive significantly higher wages. Nine political assistants were appointed in 2008 to serve policy secretaries.

'There are views that [the political assistants'] role is not very clear ... Some adjustments may be needed,' Tam said.

'As to their job duties, it is worth studying because many of them do not need to attend Legislative Council meetings or conduct media briefings.'

He said their monthly salary should be reduced from between HK$134,000 and HK$164,000 to between HK$83,000 and HK$95,600.