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Statement by Chief Secretary for Administration's Office (with video)
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     In response to media enquiries on remarks made by the Chief Secretary for Administration (CS), Mrs Carrie Lam, concerning pressures on public servants, a government spokesman stressed today (September 28) that the CS attaches huge importance to the role of key institutions like the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Ombudsman in ensuring a clean, fair, just and effective government.

     The spokesman explained that at a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Public Administration Association (HKPAA) yesterday (September 27), a member of the Association observed that the Government was operating under a conservative bureaucracy that was short-sighted, with a lack of innovation. In response, Mrs Lam first pointed out that while some might regard those bureaucratic rules and procedures as "red tape", they are in fact safeguards in any civic society. She went on to say that monitoring institutions like the ICAC and the Ombudsman are likewise safeguards to ensure the Government is subject to checks and balances, and such safeguards would only become a hurdle that might affect the Government's executive ability IF public servants did not know how to deal with them. The spokesman reiterated that there was absolutely no intention on the part of the CS to undermine the important roles of these institutions.

     Indeed, the spokesman said that Mrs Lam has openly pledged that one of her work priorities in the position of the CS is to safeguard Hong Kong's core values including a clean, fair, just and effective government. She will continue to work closely with all Principal Officials and civil servants to improve the transparency and accountability of the Government in response to public monitoring and the checks and balances in place, as well as ensure a joined-up government to enhance its executive ability.

     The transcript of the CS' above answer at the HKPAA luncheon is attached.

Ends/Friday, September 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:18

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