Any changes in the top echelon of Government will not affect the day-to-day operation of the civil service, Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong says.

Speaking after the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Flower Show today, Mr Wong said he respects Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa's resignation, adding he has a high regard for Mr Tung.

The secretary said Hong Kong has a professional and mature civil service system and all civil servants will adhere to the core values of allegiance to the Government of the day.

"Our civil service is politically neutral. Therefore, the civil service will continue to support faithfully the Government of the day and will continue to provide services of a very high standard to the community at large."