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SCMP Reporter

Five classes of honours to be conferred on the public and the civil service every July 1 were announced yesterday to replace the colonial honours system.

 The highest award will be the Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM), which will be given to five to 10 people a year. Twelve were awarded on July 2 last year.

 The Order of the Bauhinia Star will consist of three classes: the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS), the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) and the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS).

 There will be one class of the Medal of Honour (MH) while the Order of the Medal for Bravery will comprise three classes: the Medal for Bravery (Gold) (MBG); the Medal for Bravery (Silver) (MBS) and the Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB).

 In addition, there will be the Chief Executive's Commendations: for Government Service and for Community Service.

 Dedicated honours and awards for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption for distinguished, meritorious and long service will be announced after discussions with staff.

 Stephen Fisher, deputy director of administration, said an honours committee would be set up to advise the Chief Executive, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration.

 It was entirely an SAR award system, he said, and there was no need to consult Beijing on the recipients.

 Last year there was criticism that the recipients were all pro-China figures.

 'People who have made contributions to Hong Kong would also 'love Hong Kong and China'. We will also accept people who make constructive criticisms against the Government out of goodwill.'  There would be no discrimination against those with a criminal record, he said. 'If someone stole a packet of chocolate at the age of nine and then made contributions to the community for 60 years, he should qualify,' Mr Fisher said.

 Goldlion founder Tsang Hin-chi, who has a criminal record for making false trade descriptions, was among the dozen people awarded the GBM last year.

 Ousted Democrat legislator Cheung Man-kwong said: 'Only those who love the Communist Party and the state leaders will be awarded the honours. Anyone the Beijing government does not like will not be on the list.' 



July honours set to replace colonial list