Team News Riveting
Nearly 130 civil servants had been reportedly sacked for failing to take a new oath of allegiance to Hong Kong as required by the government.
Earlier, they were suspended from duties and finally sacked from the service. Besides, 25 civil servants had already resigned.
All civil servants have been required since October to sign the declaration pledging to uphold the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the government.
The move aims to strengthen allegiance in the public sector following the adoption of the national security law in late June. Civil servants who had taken the oath are also expected to support government policies, including implementation of the law.
A total of 129 civil servants have neglected or refused to duly sign and return the declaration. Of them, about 80 per cent are appointed on permanent terms and about 20 per cent on probationary terms. Among them, 16 were disciplined services officers, while the rest were civilian grade officers. One officer was dismissed due to misconduct.
The majority of the city’s roughly 180,000 civil servants had signed the declaration. Those failing to sign the declaration would be deemed as unfaithful.
And for those who signed the pledge, if they act or say something against the government, such as promoting Hong Kong independence or colluding with foreign forces, they would be deemed breaching their declaration and subject to dismissal.
