Hong Kong File Photo: VCG

 
 Organizations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for public servants on Saturday issued a joint statement to express firm support for China’s top legislature to improve HKSAR’s electoral system, safeguarding the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong, long-term prosperity and stability of the region, and the “one country, two systems” principle. 

Hong Kong’s Government Employees Association, Hong Kong Civil Servants General Union, Chinese Academy of Governance Hong Kong Alumni Association and the Federation of HKSAR Civil Servants made the joint statement after a detailed draft decision to overhaul the Hong Kong electoral system was unveiled at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Friday.

The joint statement said that HKSAR civil servants, as the governance force of the SAR, should take the lead in supporting the decision made by the Standing Committee of the NPC to improve the electoral system, plug the loopholes and block anti-China forces from entering the governance body, in addition to implementing the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong in the electoral system. 

The reform will help Hong Kong get back on track, guarantee long-term peace, stability and prosperity in the region, and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, read the statement.

The joint statement also called on SAR civil servants to perform their duties and cooperate with the SAR government on local legislation work, and contribute to maintaining the nation’s fundamental principles and the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR. 

Recently, there have been a series of actions to guarantee the implementation of the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong. 

On February 23, the HKSAR government revealed that a draft amendment on public officers stated that district councilors shall be required to take an oath of upholding the Basic Law and pledging allegiance to the city. Otherwise, they will face disqualification and be banned from participating in elections for five years. 

The HKSAR government on February 9 also noted it planned to establish a civil service college to enhance the understanding of the civil service on national affairs and the constitutional order of the HKSAR. The college is expected to train 10,000 civil servants each year.