A Correctional Services union has sent a letter to members urging them to vote in the coming district elections to oust lawmakers who have waged filibusters.
The letter stated: “Marches, protests and actions that challenged the ruling institutions have increased, causing society to be filled with an atmosphere of ‘no compromise’ and distrust.” It was sent by the Correctional Services Officers’ Associations (CSOA) on September 25.
“What made us sad, in particular, was that some lawmakers – in the name of voicing for the people – abused power granted to them by LegCo rules, to filibuster as long as they like, waste time and postpone bills that were related to livelihood issues.”
The Association said that their members need responsible lawmakers who can represent them, but not “politicians who were against everything, disobeying the rules, making no contribution, breaking discipline, harming the youth and destroying social harmony.”
It urged all members and their families to vote in the LegCo and District Council election for lawmakers who aim for “the long term development of Hong Kong, who are responsible, able, sincere, honest and for the people” and “who support the work of Correctional Services officers and civil servants, who are concerned about the rights of civil servants.”
However, the letter also mentioned that civil servants should be politically neutral, and stated that this core value was treasured.
Chairman of Hong Kong Federation of Civil Service Unions Leung Chau-ting told Apple Daily that civil servants should remain politically neutral, especially that front line officers should not serve people with their own political views.
He said that civil servants can have their own views, but they should not appear on the surface.
