Civil service chief on probes into Wang Fuk fire & govt appraisal

Sources say the government has activated the tier II probes into the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze under the heads of department accountability system, and has set up an investigation panel under the Public Service Commission.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung says if the report identifies civil servants responsible for the misconduct, they are not ruling out a direct initiation of disciplinary action. It is understood the independent committee looking into the Tai Po fire will submit a report to Chief Executive John Lee as early as October 22.

Speaking on a radio programme, Yeung says authorities have discussed manpower and supporting measures with the Public Service Commission.

Separately, starting this month, some civil servants will have their performance appraisals given based on a bell-curve -- meaning the bottom 5 to 10% of these civil servants might be denied their annual salary increments.