File No.
DENTIAL
ma 5-
Page
6.
The Governor asked S(GD) to speak about civil service attitudes. $(GD) said that he believed the Hong Kong civil service management cadre were held in fairly high regard.
They had to adopt a high profile because of the executive- led system. Nevertheless they were part of the community and enjoyed a reputation for maintaining high standards. There was a high level of commitment and loyalty to serving the community. Nevertheless they were under increasing pressure to move to the private sector or overseas. They felt exposed by the forthcoming transfer of sovereignty and had to adjust to several complex political changes. Wastage still remained low and there were no recruitment problems yet. On the surface there was stability but below were considerable anxieties. They needed reassurance on their future, their terms of service and their protection against future vulnerability.
curf.
(C.E. Leeks )
PS/GH
18.4.89
CC: CS
SES
S(GD)
SCA
2.
STI
S for S SASI AG