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SCMP Editorial

The plan to revamp and expand Hong Kong’s government is the most ambitious for at least 20 years. It is also the most expensive.
There will be two new bureaus, taking the total to 15. Three deputy secretaries will be among 13 extra officials with 57 more civil servants.
The cost to the taxpayer will be a breathtaking HK$95 million (US$12.1 million) a year, three times the figure previously proposed. The bold plan is a promising first step towards better and faster government, but success depends on how well it is executed. The new arrangements must deliver.
The package was first floated by outgoing leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. It has been expanded and refined in consultation with chief executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu.


The idea is that the new set-up will apply to his incoming administration.
Transport and housing, currently part of the same bureau, will be split in two. There will be a bureau focused on health, with responsibility for food safety moving to an environment and ecology department.
A new culture, sports and tourism bureau will be formed. These moves are intended to give the government a sharper focus.
There will be three new deputy secretaries, for the chief secretary, financial secretary and – a surprise – justice secretary. Such positions are provided for by the Basic Law, but previous administrations have either chosen to do without them or have not been able to secure the approval of lawmakers.
Lee has promised the new set-up will help solve problems and create synergies. But a bigger government is not necessarily a better one.

If not executed well, the plan could hinder communication rather than enhance it. There is also a risk of overlapping duties wasting time, money and effort.
There is a need for clarity on the specific tasks of the new deputies. A clear chain of command and division of labour is required.
Lee will need to show that he has the ability to delegate well, in keeping with his leadership style.
Finding talented people to fill these positions is crucial. Lee has spoken of difficulties in recruiting his team. Some candidates are reluctant to join, perhaps because of foreign sanctions or the concerns of their family.
A closer look at details of Hong Kong’s government revamp plan
Others put forward by those who supported his campaign may not be suitable. Decisions must be made on merit.
Lee has described himself as the conductor of an orchestra. He now has a variety of instruments at his disposal, but needs to find performers who can play them well.
With high costs, come high expectations. Lee must make sure the benefits of the new arrangements provide good value for money.
The revamped government must deliver on his promise to get the job done and achieve results.


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Hong Kong steps up scrutiny of private schools

John Lee

Costly Hong Kong government revamp must deliver and achieve results

Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu meets the media at the Press Room of the Office of the Chief Executive-elect in Wan Chai. Photo: Nora Tam

Hong Kong commuters head for work in Tamar. The cost to the taxpayer of a plan to revamp and expand the city’s government will be a breathtaking HK$95 million a year, three times the figure previously proposed. Photo: Nora Tam

Hong Kong government revamp: what is it and how does it affect incoming leader John Lee’s administration?

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive-elect John Lee. Photo: Nora Tam

Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (centre) with her cabinet in 2017. Photo: EPA

Civil servants at the Hong Kong government headquarters at Admiralty. Photo: Felix Wong

John Lee (centre) says he is looking for people based on their capability, belief and experience. Photo: Felix Wong

The plan will be tabled to the Legislative Council on Friday for the necessary legal amendments and funding. Photo: Felix Wong

A flag-raising ceremony at the government headquarters in Admiralty. Hong Kong has previously revamped its government structure under former chief executives. Photo: Edward Wong

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam calls for further national security education on politics, food, culture and ‘many other areas’

Incumbent leader Carrie Lam has urged the next administration to continue promoting the subject of national security. Photo: Edmond So

Authorities have published a children’s picture book to mark this year’s National Security Education Day. Photo: Handout

The kryptonite of Hong Kong leaders since 1997?  Trying to balance local interests with Beijing’s

All of Hong Kong’s four chief executives since returning to Chinese rule have left their posts with significantly lower approval ratings. Photo: Winson Wong

An effigy of Hong Kong’s first leader Tung Chee-hwa during a rally in 2003. Photo: David Wong

The Occupy protests in 2014 are believed to have marked a major turning point in Hong Kong’s worsening relationship with the mainland. Photo: Sam Tsang

Opinion


With two new bureaus, 13 extra officials and 57 more civil servants, the bold plan promises to be the first step towards a better and faster administration



With two new bureaus, 13 extra officials and 57 more civil servants, the bold plan promises to be the first step towards a better and faster administration.


Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor

Hong Kong Basic Law

Hong Kong housing

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Costly Hong Kong government revamp must deliver and achieve results

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} With two new bureaus, 13 extra officials and 57 more civil servants, the bold plan promises to be the first step towards a better and faster administration

Editorial | Costly Hong Kong government revamp must deliver and achieve results

With two new bureaus, 13 extra officials and 57 more civil servants, the bold plan promises to be the first step towards a better and faster administration