Opinion | New code of conduct offers clarity on Hong Kong civil servants behaviour

Reforming a team of 180,000 employees amid a fast-changing political and social environment is a daunting task, as reflected in a recent review of the long-standing code of conduct for the Hong Kong civil service. Although the changes are merely in line with expectations in the new era of governance, the repercussions will still resonate beyond the establishment, and understandably so.

The updated code spells out the 12 core values and qualities staff should reflect, including: an embrace of the constitutional order and national security; be people-oriented; show passion for public service; be dedicated to duty; be committed to the rule of law; have integrity; be politically neutral; professional; show team spirit; be focused on outcomes; accountable for performance; and respect confidentiality.

The rules seem fair enough in today’s context. Indeed, there has long been a need to strengthen awareness about state security even before the enactment of the national security law and Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Other requirements, including political neutrality, have been expanded.

Clarifications that civil servants should always support the chief executive and government policies have addressed misunderstandings over what political neutrality means.

Staff members also have to be wary about commenting on government policies in a private capacity and ensure that their views will not be mistaken as official statements. They are strongly advised to consult the authorities if they are to be interviewed as a public servant.

Understandably, this raises questions about whether there is any room for individual staff members to speak out on issues in their personal capacity.

As a matter of fact, employees in private companies also risk disciplinary action for openly criticising their own firms and employers. The higher the position, the more cautious one’s conduct and remarks should be.

The same goes for the civil service and public bodies. As part of the establishment, government employees must be more careful when exercising their personal rights.

The need for loyalty does not mean that members of staff are not allowed to put across different views while working. The code expressly states that so long as they act in good faith and in a professional manner, civil servants are obliged to express their views candidly to their seniors during internal discussions.

This spirit is essential for good policy deliberations and governance.

The civil service is instrumental to Hong Kong’s success under the “one country, two systems” formula. Now that the code has been made public, authorities should step up the education and promotion of it so the letter and spirit of what has been laid down will be faithfully followed by all government employees.

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