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The following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on the adjustment of civil service pay at the lobby of the Central Government Offices this (February 21) afternoon:
Chief Executive: I am pleased to see that the Government and the civil service unions have reached an agreement on the civil service pay adjustment issue today. Mr Joseph Wong, the Secretary for the Civil Service, has just given an account of the agreement. Of course the agreement is going to be subject to the approval of the Exco.
First of all, let me say that it is not easy for us to arrive at this consensus. It underlines, on the one hand, the willingness of the civil service to help actively resolve the deficit problem which we all face in a very responsible manner. On the other hand, it demonstrates a strong partnership between the civil servants and the Government. This is conducive to maintaining the stability and morale of the civil service. It will also help to improve the efficiency of Government operation and eventually contributing to the cutting of Government expenditure.
We have handled this issue of civil service pay adjustment in a fair and reasonable manner, and this will be the principle we will use as we move ahead with further efforts in balancing, eventually eliminating the Budget deficit. And this is done in accordance with the principle of sharing responsibility. We all share this responsibility together. I would like to stress that in solving the deficit problem, we will do our best to take care of the needs of various sectors in our community.
Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
End/Friday, February 21, 2003
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