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CS' opening remarks at the press conference on accountability system

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The following is the opening remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, at the press conference to explain details of the accountability system for principal officials today (April 17):

This is an extremely important day for Hong Kong. Two hours ago in the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive announced the most significant changes to governance in Hong Kong that anyone of us can remember. The changes are far-reaching, progressive and will affect everyone in the community. Yet, they are simple in concept; easy to legislate; and preserve the finest traditions of our civil service.

It is important therefore that we do all we can to make the changes clear to the community and explain carefully how they will benefit them.

I do not intend to go into details in these opening remarks as the Chief Executive has already made a very full statement. I do want to say that I have been very closely involved in the debate and design of the Accountability System for Principal Officials. I fully support the new system because I believe it is good for government and good, therefore, for the people of Hong Kong.

As you know, the Chief Executive proposes to create 14 new politically-appointed posts comprising the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice and 11 other Principal Official posts. The Chief Secretary's post, which I currently hold, will continue to be the first deputy to the Chief Executive, as enshrined in the Basic Law. Under the new arrangements, the Chief Secretary will continue to coordinate the work of various Bureaux; assist the Chief Executive in setting the Administration's overall political agenda and prioritise the legislative programme. The Chief Secretary will play a key role in building a better relationship with the Legislative Council.

More generally, I want to place on record why I believe the Accountability System is good for the public, the Legislature, the Administration and the Civil Service.

First, the proposed system serves the public better, because -

* The new principal officials, unlike permanent civil servants, will be personally accountable for the success or failures of their policy areas;

* they will have to immense themselves more deeply in public debate and the concerns of their fellow citizens if their five-year-term political agendas they are required to set are to meet public priorities and aspirations; and

* there will be a single authoritative voice for each area of public policy.

Second, the new system will promote a better relationship with LegCo, because -

* The Administration will have a sharply focused political agenda and a well-defined legislative programme;

* accountability will no longer be diffused among bureaux and committees; and

* policy agendas will have to correspond more closely with public priorities and aspirations; as well as to address the needs of LegCo.

Third, I believe the system will lead to more effective governance, because-

* An Executive Council comprising, at its core, the Chief Executive and all of his Principal Officials is much more in tune with the Cabinet-type principles and practices of an executive-led government;

* there will be a clear division between the political and policy responsibilities of the Principal Officials and the administrative and executive responsibilities of the Permanent Secretaries and his or her civil service colleagues; and

For the civil service,

* Our much cherished system remains intact and will not be eroded by politics. The importance of the civil service system is also greatly emphasised by the Chief Executive. There will continue to be a permanent and stable, meritocratic and politically neutral service;

* the Secretary for the Civil Service will come from the civil service. His or her remit will be to preserve the existing systems of appointment, transfer, promotion, discipline etc. as mandated by the Basic Law; and

* the Secretary for the Civil Service will be a full member of the Executive Council, bringing the civil service perspective fully to bear on policy-making.

I am sure in my own mind that none of us has anything to fear from the new Accountability System, and much to gain.

Now my colleagues and I would be happy to take your questions.

End/Wednesday, April 17, 2002

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Floor / English/ Cantonese/ Putonghwa
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