Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has instructed the Civil Service Bureau and the ICAC to deal with the Harbour Fest case expeditiously.

In a statement issued by the Chief Executive's Office today, Mr Tung said he is very concerned about the public's reaction to the Public Accounts Committee's Report on the Harbour Fest. He also appreciates the public's concern over the responsibility borne by the Director-General of Investment Promotion as mentioned in the report.

Mr Tung said there are established procedures to deal with disciplinary matters in respect of civil servants. The Government will handle the case fairly in accordance with these.

The bureau initiated disciplinary proceedings in May, which are being conducted parallel with an ICAC investigation.

Disciplinary proceedings in respect of civil servants include gathering evidence, drafting a statement of the alleged misconduct, providing the officer concerned with an opportunity to make representations, seeking legal advice and arranging a hearing. The bureau will take into account the ICAC's findings before reaching a conclusion.