Dear friends,

On June 18, I informed the Chief Executive of my decision to leave the civil service. At the time, the Chief Executive refused to accept. Today, I received the report of the Commission of Inquiry and I re-submitted my resignation from the Independent Commission Against Corruption with effect from July 1, and will proceed on pre-retirement leave thereafter, ending my 32 years of public service.  

It is obvious that my decision is related to the recent inquiry into the allegations relating to the Hong Kong Institute of Education. However, I must declare that I have been contemplating resignation for some time. This is not a rash decision.

From the start of the HKIEd inquiry, I have taken the matter at ease, cooperating fully with the commission and speaking frankly and truthfully in my testimony. I do not believe I have interfered with academic freedom. I therefore regret and am disappointed with the Commission's conclusion.

Education is important for the future of Hong Kong. Hence, I was willing to spend eight years in education hoping to do my best to nurture a new generation of young people who are well equipped to meet the demands of the contemporary society. The education reform is unprecedented in scale and complexity. It requires the concerted efforts of all working together in a positive and proactive manner to face the many challenges.

During my term in the Education and Manpower Bureau, I have always taken it as part of my responsibility to communicate with various sectors of the community, in particular teacher-education institutions which have the responsibility to train future teachers, to discuss and debate education policies and exchange views, hoping that opinion leaders would be more balanced and objective in presenting their views.

Safeguarding dignity

Ironically, this practice which occurred in 2003 and 2004 is now considered to have interfered with academic freedom. Clearly, there are serious and irreconcilable differences between me and the commission over the boundary of academic freedom. To safeguard the dignity of a civil servant in the implementation of government policies and in the discharge of duties, I have decided not to remain in the public service.

Thirty-two years ago when I joined the civil service, my aim was to serve the community. I treat work as a mission and see it as my duty to protect the public interests. I have worked in many positions and overcome many difficulties. In every situation, I worked with complete dedication and to the best of my ability.

I am honoured to have served the community over the years, and I thank the Hong Kong government for nurturing me and offering me many opportunities. During my time as the administrative assistant to the Chief Secretary and the director of the Chief Executive's Office, I took part in planning for the reversion of sovereignty over Hong Kong to the Mainland. I also participated in formulating the policies on the allocation of housing resources, land supply and property prices, public bus services and the millennium plan on the education reform et cetera.

Colourful career

My civil service career is colourful and filled with challenges. As a civil servant, I have upheld the core values of openness and integrity. I may not always be right, and my motto is: It is not possible to please everybody, what is more important is to have a clear conscience. I believe justice will prevail.

I have no regret about leaving the public service, but I do have concerns. Would my experience be a deterrent to civil servants in standing up for the principle and public interests? If my departure could stimulate discussion and reflection on the unhealthy political situation in Hong Kong, this would be my last contribution as a civil servant.

"One door closes, another opens."  I have put an end to my civil-service career and will begin a new phase in life. Since I made the decision, I have had peace of mind and a broadened perspective. There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the community and the country in other ways. This will be my mission for the rest of my life.

ICAC Commissioner Fanny Law