Editorial | New code of conduct offers clarity on Hong Kong civil servants’ behaviour
- Updates to the rules for 180,000 Hong Kong government employees are largely in line with expectations and now it is all down to promotion and education
Reforming a team of 180,000 employees amid a fast-changing political and social environment is a daunting task, as reflected in a recent review of the long-standing code of conduct for the Hong Kong civil service. Although the changes are merely in line with expectations in the new era of governance, the repercussions will still resonate beyond the establishment, and understandably so.
The updated code spells out the 12 core values and qualities staff should reflect, including: an embrace of the constitutional order and national security; be people-oriented; show passion for public service; be dedicated to duty; be committed to the rule of law; have integrity; be politically neutral; professional; show team spirit; be focused on outcomes; accountable for performance; and respect confidentiality.
The rules seem fair enough in today’s context. Indeed, there has long been a need to strengthen awareness about state security even before the enactment of the national security law and Article 23 of the Basic Law.
Other requirements, including political neutrality, have been expanded.
Clarifications that civil servants should always support the chief executive and government policies have addressed misunderstandings over what political neutrality means.
