The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said Government officials are required strictly to apply morality and integrity when exercising their duties.
As the head of the Government, he would seek to set an example of morality and integrity even higher than that required by local laws and regulations.
Mr Chui made the remarks this morning when he was asked to comment regarding the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, had recommended a relative of her to the Public Prosecutions Office. The information was given recently during a hearing of a case at the Court of Final Appeal.
The Chief Executive noted the court case was currently active and that the Government highly respected judicial independence. Mr Chui added it would be inappropriate for him to comment on a pending judicial process.
Regarding recruitment of civil servants, he said the Government was committed to gradually optimising the central recruitment system – in an open and fair manner – in order to ensure capable people could serve the city in greater numbers.
In comments also made today, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan, told reporters that she, as a principal official of the Government, would apply to herself even stricter standards of integrity and would be willing to accept the oversight of society in this regard.
Ms Chan stated she did not interfere in the process of selection of candidates for Public Prosecutions Office posts when she recommended a candidate, nor had she been in a position to gain any advantage as the result of any appointment.
In other remarks, the Secretary also noted that the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election would be formed in January. According to the amended Legislative Assembly Election Law, the Commission would include one further prosecutor, meaning the Commission would consist of a total of six members. Should there be a tied vote when adjudicating on any Legislative Assembly election matter, the chairperson would have the deciding vote, said Ms Chan.
