My Take | Shutting out the best and brightest from public service
Time and again we have seen talented people who wish to serve the public mocked, criticised and bullied simply for political purposes
Something is seriously wrong when we start attacking our best and brightest.
When you are a leading authority in science, medicine or architecture, it’s inevitable that the government or other public bodies will ask for your help from time to time. Yet by such associations, some of our most talented citizens – who often take up jobs out of a sense of civic duty – have become collateral damage. They risk becoming targets of criticism, libel, bullying and mockery by anti-government groups if they get involved in politically controversial issues.
Take Rocco Yim Sen-kee, one of the few home-grown architects with an international reputation, and certainly our most bankable. His designs on the mainland and across the city speak for themselves. But his being hand-picked to lead the design of the Hong Kong Palace Museum at the arts hub in West Kowloon without a public tender means he is now being dragged through the mud with accusations of cronyism.
“Would you prefer a public tender that picks the one who offers the lowest bid price or someone with credible experience?” Yim asked. My question exactly.