Report on Use of Chinese in Civil Service released
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The Working Group on The Use of Chinese in The Civil Service today (Wednesday) published its report which recommended a package of proactive measures to encourage the greater use of Chinese within the Government.
Releasing the report, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Michael Sze, who is also the Chairman of the Working Group, pointed out that the Working Group, throughout its deliberations was conscious of the importance of not detracting from the need to maintain a good English language standard in the civil service.
"It is also mindful to ensure that the legitimate policy of furthering the use of Chinese will not be misused to the disadvantage of overseas officers who have contributed greatly and are capable of contributing to public service in Hong Kong," Mr Sze said.
Noting that the development of a biliterate (English and Chinese) and trilingual (English, Cantonese and Putonghua) civil service was a longer term objective, Mr Sze said it was not appropriate to set an artificial timetable to achieve the goals.
He pointed out that the Working Group's recommendations which did not require additional resources or authorisation had already been implemented immediately. They include:
* From August 1 this year, a pass in Chinese at Grade E in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) will be required for appointment to all grades with entry requirement at five passes in the HKCEE or higher qualifications.
Staff report of officers with maximum salary point at MPS 25 or below, can be written in either Chinese or English.
All incoming correspondence in Chinese should be answered direct in Chinese.
A standard Chinese memo form should be used by departments.
* The Civil Service Training Centre will publish guides on the format and samples of good Chinese writing. The first guide will be issued in December.