LettersDropping ‘political neutrality’ from Hong Kong civil service code is unnecessary
- Readers discuss the government’s proposal to drop the term ‘political neutrality’ from the civil service code of conduct, and a positive experience at a smart ID card replacement centre
However, instead of having a practical impact on the management of the civil service, the proposed revision seems to be more of a statement, perhaps a political one, made to the public in a bid to demonstrate the government’s determination to improve the perception of its workforce.
The meaning of the term “political neutrality” is clear. It simply refers to how civil servants, regardless of their individual political leanings or personal inclinations, should serve the government of the day and discharge their duties in an impartial manner. It is never a justifiable excuse not to implement the government’s policies.
There is an established mechanism to deal with cases of civil servant misconduct. They could be subject to disciplinary action or even criminal investigation as appropriate. Without making public the exact number of cases of misconduct arising from civil servants’ misinterpretation of political neutrality, the government’s proposal is over the top and entirely unnecessary.
At this challenging time, the government should really devote more effort to other aspects of civil service reform, rather than putting forward something controversial but impractical to stir up the already divided society.