'Accountability system can help solve problems'

Executive Council convenor Regina Ip on Sunday said a new accountability system for government department heads could help officials to proactively solve problems and carry out reforms. The government has proposed a Heads of Department Accountability System and give the Public Service Commission new powers to probe serious problems involving civil servants. “I think this system will mainly make department heads take a proactive approach to learn about problems at their departments and carry out reforms, instead of only acting after problems arise,” Ip said after attending a TVB programme. “I believe the chance of using the mechanism will not be high, because the department heads will be on high vigilance because of the system.” She told the programme that the mechanism could encourage officials to handle systematic issues. Ip added that it is reasonable that permanent secretaries are not included in the accountability system, as they are responsible for assisting ministers and allocating resources within the bureau. She also noted that the system should be used carefully to avoid affecting civil service morale. Edited by Edmond Fong