(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Chief Executive John Lee today described the Civil Service Bureau’s new reward and punishment system as sensible and practical.
Speaking before the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mr Lee noted that various sectors of society, including legislators, had suggested strengthening the civil service appraisal system.
He explained that the bureau, after reviewing the feedback, agreed to enhance the mechanism. Consequently, a new measure has been introduced to ensure that underperforming civil servants will have their pay adjustments withheld.
“This point system will be granted only if the merits deserve it, and the Civil Service Bureau has introduced this new measure to ensure a clear reward and punishment system, and that will reward those who are working hard, who have a passion for their job and serve the public well. It will motivate them.
“At the same time, those who are not performing should be told, and be appropriately dealt with, such as not giving them a point of increment. I can understand that civil servants may take time to adapt to the new system,” he added.
Mr Lee said that while the Civil Service Bureau must step up its explanatory efforts, the public and the workforce should understand that the reform ultimately benefits the civil service as a whole.
“Those who work hard will be better recognised and supported by the citizens of Hong Kong, and those who do not perform, will have to know that they must improve,” he said.
