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Following is the letter issued today (June 24) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to all members of the civil service about the implementation of the accountability system:

Dear Colleagues,

Earlier today, the Central Government announced the appointments of Principal Officials for the Second Term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. With the establishment of the new team and implementation of the Principal Officials Accountability System, the governance of the HKSAR will enter a new era. I and all colleagues of the new team will apply ourselves fully to foster an open, enlightened and progressive government that is dedicated to serving the interest of the people of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is facing unprecedented challenges in respect of social, economic, employment and livelihood issues. In these spheres, our Government will face considerable pressures over the next few years. However, these difficulties provide an excellent opportunity for us to test our abilities and to develop our potential. Provided that we can work together, I have every confidence that we can improve the governance of the HKSAR, push forward Hong Kong's developments, and win the trust and respect of the community.

In the last five years, as members of the civil service, you have made an immense contribution to Hong Kong's smooth transition. In dealing with the reorganisation of government departments and the implementation of the "Enhanced Productivity Programme", you have made important sacrifices for the wider interests of the community. In the days ahead, I hope that you will keep this same spirit and commitment, so that together we can strengthen the work of the Government. Having worked with you these years, I firmly believe that the Hong Kong Civil Service is of high quality, uncorrupt, efficient, politically neutral and dedicated to serving the community. Members of the civil service enjoy the trust of Hong Kong people. The civil service is an important institution which underpins the governance of the HKSAR. It is also one of our fundamental strengths for maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness in the face of globalisation. To myself, to the HKSAR Government and to Hong Kong as a whole, it is of crucial importance that we preserve the integrity and stability of the civil service. In pursuing any reforms, I will not allow the integrity and stability of the civil service to be compromised. On the contrary, I intend to strengthen these core values in the process of reforms.

To all colleagues, I wish to emphasise that the people of Hong Kong have high hopes of the Government providing leadership to create a better future for our community. I call on all of you to face the challenges together with the community and to continue to serve Hong Kong ahead with dedication. I have every confidence that we will not fail the trust which Hong Kong people have placed in us. In the next five years, I hope that all civil service colleagues will work with myself and the Principal Officials under the Accountability System closely as a team, so that together we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations of Hong Kong people.

Note: the letter has been uploaded onto the Civil Service Bureau's homepage.

End/Monday, June 24, 2002

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