Four-fifths of HKers in favor of civil servant pay freeze or cut: survey

A recent survey by the Hong Kong Research Association revealed that 77 percent of residents favor freezing or cutting civil servants' salaries in light of the ongoing financial deficit.

The survey, which took place from January 21 to February 3, included phone interviews with 1,033 citizens aged 18 or above on their expectations for this year's budget plan.

Among the respondents, 42 percent backed a salary freeze for civil servants, while 35 percent favored implementing a wage cut. Meanwhile, 14 percent did not support either option.

Almost 60 percent support reducing the number of civil servants, and 16 percent oppose such measures.

In addition to the intention to adjust the civil servant pay, nearly 20 percent of the respondents hoped the Budget would prioritize economic development, followed by supporting vulnerable communities (18 percent) and introducing relief measures (17 percent).

The survey also revealed a change in the budget plans' priorities, with 40 percent of respondents ranking short-term relief measures as a top priority—a decrease of 11 percent from the previous year. 

Meanwhile, 36 percent supported prioritizing investment in long-term development, marking the slightest difference between the two options in seven years.

However, many citizens express reservations about broadening revenue sources, with 58 percent opposing higher public service charges and 53 percent against tax hikes.

The association urged the government to pay more attention to resource allocation and the urgent needs of society when drafting this year's financial Budget.