Pursuing Excellence in Governance
102. In the course of democratic reform, we should not ignore the issue of governance. As the quality of governance has a direct bearing on people's daily lives, the efficiency and effectiveness of our governance must not be compromised by constitutional development.
Professional Political Talents
103. Since the introduction of the Accountability System for Principal Officials in 2002, all posts of Secretaries and Directors of Bureaux have been held by politically appointed officials. To further develop the Accountability System, the HKSAR Government published in July 2006 a consultation document on the creation of two new tiers of politically appointed positions, namely Deputy Directors of Bureau and Assistants to Directors of Bureau. I hope that these positions can be created as soon as possible to provide the team of Principal Officials with stronger support in carrying out political work, and in leading an outstanding, permanent and politically neutral civil service. I believe that the additional political appointments offer excellent opportunities to professional political talents to gain public administration experience. This is conducive to the grooming of political leaders for the Government.
