Political neutrality still in draft of updated civil service code as Ingrid Yeung says meaning twisted during protests

The requirement of staying politically neutral remains in a draft of the updated Civil Service Code rolled out on Wednesday, as Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Pui-yan stressed the value is upheld on the premise of pledging loyalty to China and the SAR. 

Political neutrality is among the 12 core values civil servants are required to uphold in the draft. Additions to list of core values also include upholding the constitutional order and national security, being people-oriented, having a passion for public service, and being outcome-focused. 

“Regardless of their political conviction, civil servants should not allow their personal political affiliation or political beliefs to influence the discharge of their official duties,” it said. 

“Neutrality must be maintained in implementing policies or discharging official duties even if a civil servant is a member of a political party.” 

It also said civil servants should never favor a particular political party in the exercise of executive powers and should not participate in party political activities while in their official capacity. 

The draft also mentioned that civil servants should never selectively refuse to implement government policies with which they may not agree, delay their implementation, or adopt a passive attitude in implementing them because of their own political views. 

Yet, the draft also said: “No favoritism to any political party in the course of their work does not mean that civil servants can be oblivious to the prevailing political situation, which may amount to a breach of duty.” 

Yeung explained that the meaning of political neutrality was twisted back in the 2019 protests when certain civil servants said staying politically neutral meant they needed not to support the government. 

She continued that this core value is upheld on the premise of supporting the Chief Executive in office. 

Yeung also said civil servants can continue to form unions which purpose is to fight for better remunerations and benefits. However, if unions are to express opinions on other livelihood and political issues, they must follow the guidelines and avoid criticizing government policies in their official capacities. 

She added that civil servants still have room to express opinions in their personal capacity but they cannot mislead the public to falsely comprehend their views as official government position.