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136. Some incumbent principal officials, including certain Directors
of Bureaux, would remain as civil servants. They would not be employed
on contract terms and would not be included in the new accountability
system.
137. As a result of introducing the new accountability system, the
post-titles of those Directors of Bureaux who remained on civil
service terms would be changed. Although no longer Directors of
Bureaux, they would play a pivotal role between the civil service
and the new contract Directors of Bureaux. They would be responsible
to, and work under, the new directors. They would assist in formulating
and implementing policies, listen to the views of the public and
the Legislative Council, explain relevant policies, answer questions,
secure support for policies and attend LegCo meetings. Their existing
remuneration package and conditions of service would remain unchanged.
138. Last year, I also talked about enhancing the composition of
the Executive Council at an appropriate time. To assist the Chief
Executive's decision-making process, an important idea being considered
is to appoint to Executive Council the principal officials under
the new accountability system in addition to the top three Secretaries.
Other members would also be appointed in accordance with the Basic
Law. In this way, they would participate directly in the Government's
overall policy-making process and help set priorities for introducing
policies. Work on issues which straddle across departments would
be better co-ordinated. The Government would be able to respond
more comprehensively and quickly to public demands; we would also
be able to prioritise better the allocation of resources and formulate
policies that suit the needs of the people. This is the general
thrust of our initial thinking, but we need to give further consideration
to this very important issue.
139. The new system will more clearly define the roles, powers and
responsibilities of top government officials. It will also build
on the civil service's existing strengths, such as permanency, professionalism,
neutrality, high efficiency, and freedom from corruption.
140. Since I announced the proposal to examine the accountability
system, members of the Legislative Council, academics, the media
and the community have enthusiastically expressed their views on
the subject. In the coming few months, we will examine in detail
the ideas I have just outlined and prepare proposals on the arrangements,
including the remuneration package, employment conditions, and code
of practice. As the Chief Executive, I have the responsibility to
address issues relating to public administration and put forward
feasible proposals. However, it will be for the Chief Executive
in the second term to decide whether these ideas should be implemented.
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