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In response to media enquiries about a social worker¡¦s allegation that the Secretary for Home Affairs had "politically interfered in the social work profession", the Home Affairs Bureau today (August 5) stressed that the allegation was absolutely unfounded and inaccurate. Following is a statement issued by the bureau:
"Staff deployment in the Hong Kong Young Women¡¦s Christian Association (YWCA) is an internal matter of the organisation and the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) is not aware of its deployment decisions in advance. The allegation that the Secretary for Home Affairs (SHA) had interfered in the operation of the social welfare organisation and the professional autonomy of social workers is absolutely unfounded and inaccurate.
It has been a major policy of the HAB to foster social harmony and the SHA has been promoting the message when he meets with various sectors, organisations and individuals in the community. Such remarks should not be regarded as putting any pressure whatsoever.
Upon the invitation of the YWCA, the SHA met the President and the Chief Executive of the Association in January this year to learn about its business development plan. At the meeting, the SHA mentioned the receipt of a copy of a letter from the Tai O Rural Committee to the YWCA. The SHA said that in line with the HKSAR Government¡¦s policy of promoting a harmonious society, he wished the YWCA would join hands with the Rural Committee for the well-being of the residents of Tai O.
The SHA has great regard for the YWCA for its contribution to the Hong Kong community. He believes that the Association will continue to provide more services to meet the needs of the community."
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01
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