Editorial | Accountability system for Hong Kong’s top civil servants is long overdue
A fair and transparent mechanism, with effective protections for those under scrutiny, should be welcomed
For more than 20 years, Hong Kong has had an accountability system for ministers and other political appointees, but not for the most senior civil servants who implement their policies. Given their role, there has not been a convincing reason as to why they should not be subject to accountability for their performance in the same way.
Now Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has revealed that all civil servants are to be subject to a new accountability mechanism, with dismissal as the maximum penalty. This is welcome – and comes with sound procedural safeguards for their rights. The system will also cover the heads of government policy bureaus.
Under a proposed two-tier system, a department head will be responsible for general cases, while the Public Service Commission will investigate serious cases, or those involving department heads.
Though the reform is overdue, initial reactions included concern that it would discourage people from joining the civil service or result in an exodus of experienced senior officers. In that regard, many would say that top officials do not deserve top salaries without facing top levels of accountability. Indeed, in dismissing concerns that the new system could deter senior civil servants, the chief executive said: “If they think like that, they had better go.”
If Hong Kong wants a world-class civil service it has to attract the best people and pay them well. But, in return, they must expect to be held to exemplary standards of performance. At the same time, investigative and disciplinary processes must be independent and alert to buck-passing by ministers or pursuit of personal agendas.