Liaison work a must for officials

July 14, 2021

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung：
As officials, we have to keep in contact with different sectors of a different nature because when we are formulating our strategies and our work, we have to know what society is thinking about.

We have to avoid or be alert about (receiving) any lavish treatment. But for this case, as it is, there was no reasonable suspicion by the three officers that the meal (was) lavish.

Of course, if they (knew) it (was) lavish, I am sure they (would) have (treated it differently). For sure, they (would) not have done what they did.

It is part of a government official’s job to liaise with various sectors and the three officials who violated group gathering rules at a dinner had no reasonable suspicion that they were treated to a sumptuous meal.

Addressing media questions today about the dinner incident, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said government officials have to keep in contact with different sectors as they need to know society’s views when formulating work strategies.

He said officials must avoid and stay alert to lavish treatment, adding that had the trio known better, they would have handled the matter differently.