The turmoil and violence that have erupted in Hong Kong in recent days are horrendous. Rioters set fire everywhere, inflicting arbitrary attacks and vandalism, throwing objects from heights onto highways with busy traffic and pathways with pedestrians. Some even hurled incendiary bombs at commuter trains and poured flammable liquid to set a man on fire during quarrelling. Such behaviour is outrageous. The violent attacks have led to many injuries and caused fear among the public. Indeed Hong Kong is wounded. Can we continue to live with such devastation?
Over the past few months of difficult times, civil servant colleagues have been steadfastly discharging their duties and working hard to maintain public services and public order. In the past few days, masked rioters have sought to achieve their so-called “three strikes” by blocking roads, destroying public facilities, etc. Fortunately, our civil servants, like many other citizens, insisted on going to work and serving the public. I sincerely thank every committed colleague. The Government will also handle colleagues who are unable to report duty on time due to traffic problems with understanding.
Hong Kong is currently facing a critical situation. As a member of the Government, colleagues should continue to shoulder their respective responsibilities and render full support to the Government’s priority and urgent task of ending the chaos and violence. We must not be afraid in the face of violence. Instead, we must show solidarity and say “No!” to violence.
Recently, there were incidents of lack of coordination between frontline colleagues of different departments in executing their respective duties. Separately, it is deeply regrettable that some civil servants were arrested for suspected involvement in unlawful activities. These incidents have led people to cast doubt on the solidarity of the civil service in tackling the crisis.
Colleagues may think that by focusing on a few negative incidents, the community have ignored the longstanding hard work and effort of the 180 000 strong civil servants. I hope you will not be disheartened. You should continue to do your part and strive to help Hong Kong restore order as soon as possible. Likewise, it is important that you must not support or participate in any activity that will disrupt peace in society and the normal operation of public services.
Regarding the incidents of lack of coordination between frontline officers, I note that the relevant departments had immediately issued joint statements to clarify and reiterate their continued support for and cooperation with each other. Let me take this opportunity to remind colleagues that they must respond quickly to groundless rumours or misunderstandings involving departmental staff so as to clarify and avoid such from being exaggerated and played up, causing suspicions and affecting morale.
Finally, I must stress that the Government adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards civil servants who violate the law. Civil servants must not take part in any unlawful activities and actions, including illegal procession or assemblies, etc. In addition, the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation has taken effect, and colleagues should fully apprehend and abide by the Regulation.
We are extremely concerned about the arrest of individual civil servants for their suspected involvement in unlawful public activities. The Government would not tolerate civil servants breaching the law. It would be difficult for the community to accept if a civil servant arrested for participating in illegal activities could still return to work as normal and continue to exercise the powers and functions of his office. In this regard, we would interdict the officer in the public interest when inquiry against him is being undertaken.
Civil servants convicted of criminal offence would not only be penalised under the law; the Government would also take disciplinary action against them in accordance with the established mechanism without toleration.
Colleagues, let us work in concert to support the Government to restore order to Hong Kong such that we could make a fresh start.