Govt Warns Of Probe Over Civil Servants 'referendum'

The Hong Kong government has "strongly condemned" calls for civil servants to take part in a "referendum" for a strike, and warned that those who violate the Civil Service Code will be investigated.

Some trade unions and a student group are to hold a poll on June 14 – which they're calling a referendum – to see if there should be a general strike against Beijing's national security law to be imposed on the SAR.

In a statement published on Friday, the government criticised a civil servants' union of resorting to "radical means" which it said would damage the interests of the people of Hong Kong and the reputation of the city's civil service.

The statement said that they will investigate any civil servants who have publicly violated the Civil Service Code.

"The SAR Government has always firmly maintained freedom of expression, but like any other jurisdiction, these freedoms are not absolute. Article 99 of the Basic Law stipulates that public officials must be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region."

The statement goes on to say that civil servants have a role in the political system, and must abide by the rule of law and maintain politically neutrality. Regardless of their political beliefs, it added, they must be fully loyal to the Chief Executive and the government.

Last week, the head of the Civil Service Bureau Patrick Nip urged all government staff to bear in mind their ‘dual-identities’ as servants for both the SAR and for China.

He warned those who oppose the administration that their loyalty to the Chief Executive and her government is mandatory.