Breakfast Group legislators yesterday called for a mechanism to punish government departments and officials for wasting taxpayers' money.
They also said the government should further trim its staff and expenses.
Speaking after talks with Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, the group's convenor, Eric Li Ka-cheung, said there should be a mechanism to reward government savings and to punish wastage.
Mr Tang is due to launch another round of consultation with legislators to discuss next year's budget.
During the meeting, Mr Li said group members suggested disciplinary action for officials who were found to be responsible for wastage. They also said departments that had drained away money should also have their expenditure slashed in the following year.
'The budget deficit is a serious one. There should be a clear mechanism for reward and punishment,' he said.
