CHAPTER 1
Laying the Foundations for a More Accountable Government
AFTER the reunification, Hong Kong has been enjoying a high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law. As Hong Kong people are now running Hong Kong, I appreciate the community's aspirations for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to be subjected to a higher degree of accountability. In my 2000 Policy Address, I proposed that the HKSAR Government should examine the possibility of introducing a new Accountability System for Principal Officials. I set out in greater detail the framework of the Accountability System in my 2001 Policy Address.
In the past two years, there have been extensive discussions by the community on improving the accountability of government and we have listened closely to the views expressed. I have been heartened that the community has generally identified with the new System.
The purpose of introducing an Accountability System is to enable Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government to assume responsibility for their policy portfolios, to share a common agenda and to have clear directions. We need to feel the pulse of the community, understand community sentiment and strengthen liaison and communication with the Legislative Council, different sectors of the community and the general public. We need to improve the prioritising of the Government's agenda as well as overall policy co-ordination. By doing so, we would be able to provide better services to the community.
Under the Accountability System, the upper echelon of the Government the Chief Secretary for Administration, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice and all Directors of Bureaux will no longer be civil servants, but will be appointed on contract terms as Principal Officials. They may serve for a term of five years, but not exceeding that of the Chief Executive who nominates them. They will cover the respective portfolios assigned to them by the Chief Executive, oversee the work of associated departments, formulate policies, explain policy decisions, market policy proposals and gain the support of the Legislative Council and the public. They will be accountable to the Chief Executive for the success or failure of their policy initiatives. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive, they will be accountable to the community. Where necessary, the Chief Executive may terminate their contracts.
Footnote: on April 17, 2002, the Chief Executive announced the principal elements of the Accountability System in an address to the Legislative Council. On May 30, 2002, the Legislative Council passed a motion to support the introduction of the System. This article is an edited version of the speech delivered by Mr Tung on April 17, 2002.
1