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HONG KONG: Hong Kong officials took a new oath of allegiance to the government on Wednesday at the first ceremony overseen by the city’s leader to impose greater loyalty on the ruling class after huge protests for democracy last year.
Chief Executive Officer Carrie Lam stood before a group of senior officials in a closed-door ceremony for the pledge, which the financial center’s 180,000 officials are expected to do in the coming weeks.
Those who take the oath promise to uphold Hong Kong’s mini-constitution and “be loyal” to the city and its government.
A government spokesman said the taking of the oath “will strengthen the public’s confidence in officials appointed by politicians.”
Public officials were one of the groups that took to the streets in large numbers last year calling for greater democracy and police accountability.
Tens of thousands joined a rally that was expressly organized by public officials, some of whom posted anonymous ID cards online as a way to signal their support for the movement, a move that angered Beijing.
China’s authoritarian leaders rejected the protests and have overseen a widespread crackdown on dissent in the city this year.
He imposed a comprehensive security law on the territory in June and has called for patriotism and loyalty to be installed throughout Hong Kong society.
Promises are part of that momentum.
The city’s civil service minister has warned that those who refuse to take an oath of allegiance or sign similar statements could lose their jobs.
Authorities argue that public officials must respect the rules of political neutrality and should not have joined last year’s protests.
Local media reported that other ranks of public officials will be asked to sign loyalty declarations and the entire process is expected to be completed next month.
All new employees within the civil service must already sign a mandatory loyalty pledge.
