Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle: does Beijing prefer law-and-order hardliners rather than ‘politically neutral’ civil servants?

Promotions of John Lee and Chris Tang spark disagreements over whether move is good for future governance

Some feel action could signal end of civil service as breeding ground for elite politicians

Reading Time:6 minutes

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, flanked by her newly appointed officials. Photo: Handout

Published: 7:30am, 26 Jun 2021Updated: 10:38am, 2 Jul 2021

The promotion of two hardline law-and-order officials this week to top jobs in the Hong Kong government signalled Beijing’s firm insistence to ensure national security stayed at the top of the city’s agenda, analysts have said.

The singular focus on security went beyond wanting to avoid a repeat of the social unrest of recent years, they said. Concerned over a more inhospitable global environment given its geopolitical tensions with the United States, the central government wanted to see firm leaders who would not be easily swayed in charge of an open city like Hong Kong.

Beijing was also showing its preference for reliable, trusted enforcers from the disciplined services rather than a civil service that could be slow to act because of desire to stay neutral, the observers said.

But all agreed though that there was a shift towards such groups as the hunting ground for political talent to lead government.

Security chief John Lee Ka-chiu was named Hong Kong’s new deputy leader with immediate effect on Friday, with police commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung stepping up to replace him at the Security Bureau. Deputy police commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee will now lead the force.

John Lee (left) is sworn in to his new position as Hong Kong’s No 2 official. Photo: Handout

Their appointments reflected the more immediate tasks for the city with the Election Committee polls, and the Legislative Council and chief executive elections due in the coming months. A stable political and security environment, with no threats of foreign interference, was critical and the two had what it took to deliver and stamp out trouble, analysts said.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x