I wish to say farewell to you after a little more than three years as the Secretary for the Civil Service.
Despite the ups and downs, I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and I write to thank you all for the counsel and support given me. In particular, my thanks to colleagues in CSB and representatives of the staff sides and civil service unions. While we have different views on some issues, I treasure our exchange of views in a rational and constructive manner.
Over the past few years, we have seen a marked growth in the strength of the civil service from 167 011 in end March 2012 to 172 647 in end March 2015, the retirement age of civil service new recruits being raised to meet the long-term ageing problem, and the implementation of the 2013 Pay Level Survey and the annual pay adjustments for the civil service.
Looking ahead, there are bound to be challenges and the expectations of the public will continue to be high. But I have every confidence in the integrity, efficiency and resilience of the Hong Kong civil servants and I hope you will all give your support to my successor, Mr Clement Cheung.
I wish you best of luck in your work and stay healthy and happy!