Opinion | Ills of Hong Kong’s socialising culture distract government officials from real work
- Engaging with the community is an important part of policymaking but when officials end up moving in the same few circles, it becomes exclusive and wasteful
Demands on officials in some portfolios are greater than for others, and many events occur in the evenings or on weekends, so their intense schedules of social activity also diminish the time they can spend with their families or on maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
The sheer number of such events can affect how much time officers have to conduct their duties. Herein lies the problem.
Hong Kong has a plethora of government and non-government organisations active across the community, from district-level groups to professional and fraternal ones, all with causes to promote, and which can be regarded as a reflection of the openness within our society.
Many of these groups support the policies and positions of the government. They aim to convey government views, gather public support, and engage in dialogue with different parts of the community. They often organise events, campaigns and rallies to support government positions.
Some help shape important policymaking by providing input, recommendations and feedback on issues ranging from care for older people to education and affordable housing. Many have direct communication channels with government officials, allowing them to express their views and contribute to policy discussions.
