IN THE EYES of senior officials, the public must seem to have developed an insatiable appetite for apologies. Bureaucrats of various portfolios seem more inclined to churn out acts of contrition since the introduction of the ministerial system in July.
The most recent example is Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury Frederick Ma Si-hang's apology, complete with deep bow, last Wednesday over the so-called penny-stocks incident.
But his remarks were marred with a qualifier: 'Although the report did not say I have failed to discharge my duties, this incident happened in my area and it's very unfortunate.' He then went on to say he was deeply sorry.
The tardy apology would have been more palatable had it not been ruined by the redundant excuse. By the time he offered his apology, the media had already reported that the two-man investigation panel had exonerated him of any direct responsibility for the fiasco.
A day later, the acting Deputy Director of Education, Cheng Man-yiu, was also remorseful before press cameras. The department was criticised for its belated announcement cancelling classes when tropical storm Hagupit hit. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused to those parents,' Mr Cheng said after a meeting with Observatory officials. The two departments have now agreed to co-operate on how to issue announcements.
Earlier the same day, Mr Cheng had tendered cautious words over the radio. He did not admit to any wrongdoing on the part of his department and would only apologise for the inconvenience caused irrespective of who was at fault.
The Mass Transit Railway Corporation has excelled in this reserved style of apology. It regularly issues such apologies for inconveniences caused by hiccups on its services.