I REFER to the article headlined, ''Defence of public service'' by Ms Christine Loh which appeared in the South China Morning Post on Monday, October 25 and which concerned the importance of maintaining civil service impartiality and integrity through the rules governing acceptance of post retirement employment outside the Civil Service.
The importance of this principle is fully recognised by Government. Under the provisions of the two Pensions Ordinances, a retired officer requires the Governor's prior approval before taking up any post-retirement employment or engaging in any business activity, the principal part of which is carried on in Hong Kong, within two years of his retirement.
In the case of an officer at Secretary level or above the period is five years.
Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the suspension of pension.
An Advisory Committee on Post-Retirement Employment, which was appointed by the Governor in October 1987, and which is chaired by an eminent non-official, considers and advises the Governor on all individual applications from directorate officers and on any other applications which may be referred to it by the Secretary for the Civil Service.
The basic principle is that there should be no impropriety in the proposed appointment, that is, there should be no conflict with the public interest. In this respect, account will be taken of: Whether the officer had been involved in policy formulation or decision, the effects of which could have benefitted his prospective employer.
Whether the prospective employer might gain an unfair advantage over competitors because of the officer's previous knowledge and experience.