Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the Government adopts an open-minded and inclusive attitude on the appointment of Under Secretaries and Political Assistants.
Speaking to the media before departing for Singapore today, she said the 10 new Under Secretaries and eight Political Assistants have been appointed based on merit.
Mrs Lam said she cannot understand why some critics of the appointment of Under Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin are saying the Government is trying to launch a "war" against the education sector.
"In a city like Hong Kong, which has diverse opinions on almost every issue, it is very difficult to avoid controversies, and I am not a person who would shy away from controversy. I just do the right things for the people of Hong Kong.
"Dr Choi is fully qualified in terms of her academic background and also her experience as a principal, as a teacher, as an education official.
"I sincerely hope people, including critics, could give her the time, the space and the opportunity to perform and to bring our Hong Kong education system to newer heights."
Mrs Lam dismissed claims Ms Choi's appointment is related to the implementation of national education.
"National education has always been ongoing in our schools in one form or another. I realise that five years ago using a particular approach to implement national education in schools stirred up some controversy.
"So at the moment we have no particular plans to remount that sort of approach or campaign to extend the teaching of national education in schools."
Mrs Lam said the political appointments were suggested by bureau heads and screened by an appointments committee.
