Govt Staff Work For China As Well As HK: Patrick Nip

The head of Hong Kong’s almost 180,000 civil servants on Sunday urged all government staff to bear in mind their ‘dual-identities’ as both servants for the SAR and for China, as he warned those who oppose the administration that their loyalty to the Chief Executive and her government is mandatory.

Civil service minister Patrick Nip told a seminar organised by the pro-Beijing DAB party that government staff who participate in illegal activities or publicly challenge the administration’s policies will be prudently and fairly dealt with under established regulations.

“They belong to the SAR’s civil service as well as that of China. Therefore, when they carry out their duties or even ponder some questions, they must take into consideration their dual identities,” he said.

Nip added that civil servants would receive more training to teach them more about the relationship between Hong Kong and China.

“Understanding the ‘One Country Two Systems’ principle, grasping the constitutional order laid out under China’s constitution and the Basic Law, and knowing more about the country’s overall development can help civil servants see more clearly how Hong Kong can make good use of its strengths while contributing to our country at the same time,” he said.

Nip also reminded government workers that maintaining political neutrality means implementing the administration’s policies, and they must be loyal to the Chief Executive and her administration regardless of their own political beliefs.

The minister said civil servants shouldn’t give people an impression that their personal views could affect them in carrying out their duties.

Nip also praised civil servants for their dedication – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.