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Two questions about pension and new jobs for Hong Kong public servants
- Shouldn’t there be a cooling-off period between departure from a government job and the taking up of a new one?
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The report as to the imminent retirement of the deputy commissioner of police raises at least two issues (“City’s top policewoman will step down early to head government watchdog”, January 14).
Why is it appropriate for a senior police officer (or, equally, a senior civil servant) to receive on retirement both a multimillion dollar lump sum – here, reportedly HK$13 million (US$1.65 million) – and a monthly pension (here, reportedly HK$80,000 per month) for life? Why is one or the other not sufficient?
Further, is it appropriate to appoint such a person to immediately become the ombudsman? Why is there not a “cooling off” period of at least, say, a year?
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The ombudsman is called upon to investigate the actions and omissions of various government departments (including those of the police) and where appropriate to make findings, including adverse findings. It is inappropriate to appoint a freshly retired senior government servant to potentially investigate the government, as to any issues, irrespective of the integrity of the appointee.
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J. Millar, Wan Chai
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