Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam admits the Government has fallen short of public expectations in the last year and it needs to further improve communication with the community.

Speaking in the Legislative Council today, Mr Lam said the accountability system represents an important step in the right direction though the operation has not been entirely smooth.

He said in fine-turning the system, the Government will listen carefully to the views of the public to ensure that the system and governance move ahead with the times.

Mr Lam said under the accountability system, the Government can act decisively to meet the needs of the community.

He cited the $11.8 billion package of relief measures to help the community tide over the economic difficulties and to revive the economy after the SARS outbreak as an example to show the Government's quick response to the community's concerns.

The resignations of two principal officials also demonstrated the flexibility of the system, he added.

Addressing the concerns of legislators on the neutrality of civil servants in promoting policy, Mr Lam said under the accountability system, civil servants' neutrality remains unchanged.

He said the Government once considered setting up a Deputy Secretary post to assist the principal officials, but the suggestion was not adopted to avoid bringing too many changes to the civil service.