Our Ref. : BP 6/25

Dear Colleagues,

Encouraging Message from the Chief Executive 

You know that the Chief Executive met with representatives from the civil service this week.  Let me give you a brief account of these meetings.

Taking a keen interest in civil service matters, the Chief Executive had four meetings with the staff sides of the central consultative councils and four main staff associations on Tuesday and Wednesday.  During these meetings, the Chief Executive and I listened to their views on a wide range of civil service matters, including the pay adjustment for 2003.  The discussions were frank and constructive.

The Chief Executive reaffirmed that the civil service was a cornerstone which underpinned the governance of Hong Kong.  He expressed his deep appreciation of the contribution made by all civil servants to the smooth transition of Hong Kong since the handover.  He also praised civil servants' strong commitment to serve the community amidst all the challenges in the last five years.

Noting colleagues' concern over the pay cut by legislation this year, the Chief Executive reassured that the legislation was only meant for the pay reduction this year.  The Government would not use it as a pretext for curtailing civil servants' pension benefits.  He added that in the face of globalisation and unprecedented economic and social changes in Hong Kong, the civil service would remain as one of Hong Kong's competitive edges leading to our success in future.  While there would still be difficulties and challenges in the near future as Hong Kong was undergoing economic restructuring, he hoped the civil service would stand by the Government and meet the difficulties and challenges ahead.

At these meetings, we stressed the Government's determination to work hand in hand with staff associations for maintaining a long-term partnership with the civil service, which was to be built on mutual respect and trust, and the common goal of pursuing the overall interests of the community.  We also agreed to discuss early with colleagues on the pay adjustment for 2003.

You may recall my letter of 23 July, which outlined my commitment as well as new initiatives in reinforcing communication with you all.  I am carrying out my pledges.  In the coming weeks, I shall in the first place have meetings with the staff sides of the central consultative councils and four main staff associations to follow up the issues which were raised at the meetings with the Chief Executive.  We shall start discussing the pay adjustment for 2003.

The Chief Executive has repeatedly emphasised that the Government, the civil service and the community should work on a common basis for a shared goal : to overcome the difficulties we are facing in Hong Kong.  It is time we put aside the misgivings arising from the pay adjustment this year and work together for the betterment of Hong Kong's future.

Before closing, I would like to extend once again my invitation to you to the bi-weekly "Meeting with the Secretary for the Civil Service" forums, the first of which is to be held on 22 August at the North Point Government Offices.  I look forward to seeing you in these forums and discussing with you on issues of mutual concern.

Yours sincerely,

(Joseph W P Wong)
Secretary for the Civil Service