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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
point out the crux of the matter. Many problems will follow, such as a rise in unemployment rate. The number of unemployed is estimated at about 70 000; it is expected to go up to 110 000. In fact, the nightmare has just begun.
What did the Hong Kong Government learn from the above incidents? This is a question which deserves careful thought.
In the past the working mentality within the Government was one that was typical of the colonial era. Civil servants that were trained under the government were only expected to work hard. As long as they made no mistakes they did not have to make any outstanding contribution since one mistake would spell the end of their career. They would, therefore, go about their business with great care. Today, as Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa remarked, 'Hong Kong people are their own masters' but civil servants still hold on to the same mentality. When faced with a social crisis, they do not respond fast enough to make quick decisions. When there is any problem, some departments do not communicate with each other face to face but only pass messages in the form of memos. This is a waste of time and shows lack of efficiency.
To change this mentality, I have the following three-point 'ABC' proposal: 'A' is for Accountability, 'B' for Bravery and 'C' for Creativity.
(1) Accountability: An accountable government must first have accountable officials. This calls for courage and social commitment. That is why their performance appraisals should not follow the system that was used under the colonial government. Even if an official has committed an error, it should not be used as the main criterion for deciding on his or her future promotion. Officials should also be assessed on the basis of their enthusiasm and creativity.
(2) Bravery: We need a brave government that will shoulder responsibility, a government that does not fear hardship, a government that, in the face of an economic slump, financial turmoil and a bird flu crisis, will lead the people to overcome all kinds of predictable and unpredictable social hazards. The greatest coward, therefore, is one who shirks responsibility.
(3) Creativity: Civil servants under the old colonial government sought only to be free from error, not to make any outstanding contribution. This kind of attitude is now outdated. In the past, Hong Kong had a strong supporter behind its back. Today there is no need to worry because of the wealth of its fiscal reserves. But it is time to change this kind of mentality— 'living off one's capital'--because if one sits idle and does nothing but eat, one's fortune will soon be eaten up. Government officials should be creative and, acting on their past experience, embrace new concepts. They should open up a bright future for Hong Kong by their hard work and ambition. To do this they have to pay more attention to public opinion. Senior officials should heed their subordinates' ideas and learn from those who are outside the Government,
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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
point out the crux of the matter. Many problems will follow, such as a rise in unemployment rate. The number of unemployed is estimated at about 70 000; it is expected to go up to 110 000. In fact, the nightmare has just begun.
What did the Hong Kong Government learn from the above incidents? This is a question which deserves careful thought.
In the past the working mentality within the Government was one that was typical of the colonial era. Civil servants that were trained under the government were only expected to work hard. As long as they made no mistakes they did not have to make any outstanding contribution since one mistake would spell the end of their career. They would, therefore, go about their business with great care. Today, as Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa remarked, 'Hong Kong people are their own masters' but civil servants still hold on to the same mentality. When faced with a social crisis, they do not respond fast enough to make quick decisions. When there is any problem, some departments do not communicate with each other face to face but only pass messages in the form of memos. This is a waste of time and shows lack of efficiency.
To change this mentality, I have the following three-point 'ABC' proposal: 'A' is for Accountability, 'B' for Bravery and 'C' for Creativity.
it
(1) Accountability: An accountable
government must first have accountable officials. This calls for courage and social commitment. That is why their performance appraisals should not follow the system that was used under the colonial government. Even if an official has committed an error, should not be used as the main criterion for deciding on his or her future promotion. Officials should also be assessed on the basis of their enthusiasm and creativity.
(2) Bravery: We need a brave government that will shoulder responsibility, a government that does not fear hardship, a government that, in the face of an economic slump, financial turmoil and a bird flu crisis, will lead the people to overcome all kinds of predictable and unpredictable social hazards. The greatest coward, therefore, is one who shirks responsibility.
(3) Creativity: Civil servants under the old colonial government sought only to be free from error, not to make any outstanding contribution. This kind of attitude is now outdated. In the past, Hong Kong had a strong supporter behind its back. Today there is no need to worry because of the wealth of its fiscal reserves. But it is time to change this kind of mentality— 'living off one's capital'--because if one sits idle and do nothing but eat, one's fortune will soon be eaten up. Government officials should be creative and, acting on their past experience, embrace new concepts. They should open up a bright future for Hong Kong by their hard work and ambition. To do this they have to pay more attention to public opinion. Senior officials should heed their subordinates' ideas and learn from those who are outside the Government,
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