The updated code of conduct for civil servants does not grant public officers immunity to say whatever they want in their personal capacity, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan said on Thursday. She noted that private companies would not allow their employees to badmouth their business and the same works for civil servants working in the government. Meanwhile, Yeung said civil servants should not misinterpret that they have the absolute license to say anything they want when making comments in a personal capacity. "We require civil servants to uphold the rule of law and the constitutional order. If what they say impacts these things, even if it's in a personal capacity, I strongly advise my colleagues to not say it, because the consequences will be serious,” she said.

Source: The Standard December 14, 2023 12:28 UTC