Editorial | Civil service misconduct in Hong Kong must be handled resolutely

Whether the former director of the Tianjin Liaison Unit breached bribery laws that prohibit the acceptance of advantages is now a matter of criminal investigation. But his online selfies boasting flight and five-star hotel upgrades certainly did not conform to the modesty expected of civil servants.

In response to an outcry after the online posts went viral, the government initially said Cheng covered the costs of his flight upgrade to Tianjin and his accommodation, adding that the suite was granted due to his senior membership status with the hotel group. But another late-night statement revealed that the newly appointed director had been dismissed after investigations showed the alleged offer by his friend of an exclusive cabin during a boat trip to Macau last year might have violated provisions regarding civil servants accepting advantages without permission.

According to the civil service code, government staff must ensure that no actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest arise between their official duties and private interests. The fact that Cheng was hired under the post-retirement service contract scheme does not exempt him from the regulation. The question is not just whether taxpayers foot the bill for his lavish lifestyle and travel perks. At stake is also civil service integrity and clean governance. Cheng was foolish enough to flaunt his alleged perks online. It would be worrying if many more cases of questionable behaviour have gone unnoticed.

In general, Hong Kong civil servants are highly regarded for their commitment, integrity and professionalism. However, there have been examples of individual officials corrupted by greed or vanity and who exhibited lapses of judgment. Thankfully, such incidents remain rare. But they must be handled resolutely lest governance and public confidence be undermined.