Selection of EOC chief sparks concern
The government yesterday came under fire for a lack of open and objective criteria in appointing the head of the Equal Opportunities Commission, as lawmakers queried the new chairman's unusual five-year term.
Former privacy commissioner Raymond Tang Yee-bong was appointed to head the commission last month.
His appointment has raised concerns because of his lack of experience in human rights work, and because almost two years remained on his contract as privacy commissioner.
Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho Chi-ping said the five-year-term was allowed by law, and was aimed at stabilising the commission's morale.
'We've also considered the impact caused by the series of incidents over the past one to two years on the EOC's credibility, and we think that frequently changing the chairman may affect its credibility.'
Dr Ho said the longer term was chosen in light of the five-year terms served by the privacy commissioner and the ombudsman. It also reflected the importance the government attaches to the EOC.
Mr Tang stressed the stability offered by a five-year term, and vowed to fulfil his duty.
The Frontier's Emily Lau Wai-hing asked whether Mr Tang would promise to work the full term instead of quitting early, as in his previous job.
Mr Tang replied: 'I've accepted a five-year term, but no one knows what will happen ... it's not a question of promise, but how to use the time to build a better EOC.'
Democratic Party vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan criticised the government for making the new appointment before the release this week of the independent panel report on the EOC. The report made 70 recommendations on improving the organisation.
'Is this a way to rule out considering the panel's recommendations?' Mr Ho asked. He questioned why the government had failed to use open recruitment to find candidates for the post, and the longer term for Mr Tang.
Dr Ho dismissed the suggestion the recommendations would be ignored.
Independent Albert Chan Wai-yip asked if the appointment of Mr Tang was aimed at concealing criticism of the home secretary's role in last year's EOC controversy.
An angry Dr Ho responded: 'The secretary for home affairs doesn't have anything that needs the EOC chairman to help him conceal.'
