Security role for Li after tough moves

Jane Cheung

A major reshuffle sees broadcasting director Patrick Li Pak-chuen become permanent secretary for security, replacing Carol Yip Man-kuen, who has been appointed director of the Chief Executive's Office.

In an announcement on appointments for 14 senior officials yesterday, Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, the outgoing secretary for the civil service, said all are "seasoned" administrative officers.

Li, 53, who has been director of broadcasting since March 2021, will return to an administrative position as permanent secretary for security to assist the secretary, Chris Tang Ping-keung.

During his 15 months as head of Radio Television Hong Kong Li won praise from the pro-establishment camp, which said he steered the public broadcaster back on track after it favored protesters during the unrest in 2019.

As a successor to veteran journalist Leung Ka-wing in the position, Li has also suspended various news programs.

Editorial policies and procedures have also been issued to staff, telling them to bear in mind Hong Kong is part of China, to stop referring to Taiwan as a country and to refrain from "glorifying" criminals.

Before becoming broadcasting head Li was deputy secretary for home affairs. It was not announced who will replace Li, though word was that his former role could go to an administrative officer.

The head of the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Doris Ho Pui-ling, will become permanent secretary for development in the fourth quarter.

Daniel Cheng Chung-wai, secretary-general for the office of the chief executive-elect, will be permanent secretary at the Chief Executive's Office. The permanent secretary for Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's Chief Executive Office, Shirley Lam Shuet-lai, will be permanent secretary for home and youth affairs.

The Department of Justice's director of administration and development, Grace Foo Siu-wai, will be permanent secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs on July 15 when incumbent Roy Tang Yun-kwong commences pre-retirement leave.

Also retiring is permanent secretary for innovation technology Annie Choi Suk-han. She will be replaced by present Celebrations Coordination Office director Eddie Mak Tak-wai.

Permanent secretary for commerce and economic development (communications and creative industries) Clement Leung Cheuk-man becomes permanent secretary for the civil service, while permanent secretary for home affairs Joe Wong Chi-cho will be permanent secretary for culture, sports and tourism.

Six incumbent permanent secretaries will have their titles changed due to a revamp of Lee's cabinet, though they will have a similar scope of work.

Permanent secretary for commerce and economic development (commerce, industry and tourism) Eliza Lee Man-ching will remain in the same position.

Food and health's Vivian Lau Lee-kwan will be permanent secretary for environment and ecology (food), while transport and housing's Mable Chan will be permanent secretary in the new Transport and Logistics Bureau.

Food and health (health) permanent secretary Thomas Chan Chung-ching will be permanent secretary for health.

Permanent secretary for transport and housing (housing) Agnes Wong Tin-yu, also director of housing, will become permanent secretary for housing and remain as director.

The same goes for permanent secretary for the environment and director of environmental protection Janice Tse Siu-wa, who becomes permanent secretary for environment and ecology (environment) and remains director.

jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com