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Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr. Joseph W P Wong, today (July 7) on the implementation of pay reduction:

I note from media reports and TV coverage that today's public demonstration has been conducted in a very peaceful and orderly manner. I feel very relieved with this outcome.

I would like to particularly thank colleagues in the Police Force for maintaining the order, for making all the arrangements before the event and during the day, and for taking all these measures, including traffic measures, which have managed to reduce the inconvenience to members of the public to the absolute minimum.

Now that our colleagues, who have chosen their route of expressing their views through a public demonstration, have completed the rally. I hope and I am confident that they will return to their jobs, to their normal jobs, and they will continue to serve the public with professionalism and dedication.

We will continue to engage the unions representing them (to communicate). We hope ultimately they will understand the Government's position which has been repeated many times that legislation is the only means to implement this year's pay reduction with certainty. And it is very important to implement this year's pay reduction which is reasonable, modest and fair and strictly in accordance with our policy and followed our procedures. It is very important therefore that we proceed with the legislation and put the matter behind us as soon as possible.

Reporter: ...How is the Government going to deal with the low morale in the civil service?

Secretary: Well first of all I think people have been talking about civil service morale for a lot of time. I think it is important to really look at this matter in context. Of course no civil servants will be happy when face with a pay reduction.

After the handover, the Hong Kong community has undergone a lot of difficulties, a lot of changes. Civil servants are also feeling the pressure to change. All these of course affect the feeling of the civil service. But if we look at the quality of the service which we provide to the public, look at our efficiency, look at the way we deliver our services. I think we will continue to pride ourselves as a very efficient and very professional civil service.

I think I have explained many times that there is no alternative to legislation if we want to implement this year's pay reduction with certainty. And I think it is only incumbent on the government to proceed with this piece of legislation.

As I said we will continue to engage all civil service unions including those who participated in the rally (to communicate). And I hope eventually they will understand that it is indeed a good thing if ultimately we can successfully implement a pay reduction this year and demonstrate to the whole community that the civil service is willing to share the burden in this difficult time.

(Please also refer to the Chinese transcript)

End/Sunday, July 7, 2002