Expert opinion: Independent Commission on Remuneration Package & Post-office Arrangements for the Chief Executive Chairman Wong Po-yan submits his report to Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang.

A panel of experts has recommended the existing Chief Executive remuneration package apply to the next CE elected on July 10, before a new deal is drawn up for the person elected in 2007.

The Independent Commission on Remuneration Package & Post-office Arrangements for the Chief Executive submitted its report to the Government today, setting out its recommendations on issues relating to the office of the Chief Executive. The Government will study the recommendations and brief the Legislative Council on its position after consulting the Executive Council.

Panel chairman Wong Po-yan said while the existing package should continue to apply after July 10, "the new arrangement should be implemented in July 2007 when the third term CE assumes office".

Total package

In line with the remuneration arrangements for Principal Officials under the Accountability System, the commission said the new deal should be a total cash package with benefits.

The package cost will be the same as the existing one, yielding an annual remuneration of around $4 million, 12.5% more than the existing annual pay of the Chief Secretary for Administration.

"The new arrangement will not entail any extra financial burden to taxpayers," Mr Wong said.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam welcomed the report, saying the recommendations are practical and comprehensive, and reflect opinions gathered from legislators and the public.

"This overall direction is appropriate. We will make a submission to the Executive Council as soon as possible. We will also report to the Legislative Council Constitutional Affairs Panel on the Government's position and decision," Mr Lam said.

Other recommendations

The commission recommends the Government provide a suitable permanent residence for future chief executives. However, if the chief executive chooses not to move into the residence, they will have to meet their own accommodation needs.

The commission recommends no restrictions be imposed on a former chief executive's involvement in political activities. For participation in post-office employment or commercial activities, a former chief executive should be subject to a three-year control period.

During the first year, they will be barred from employment or commercial activities. In the following two years, they will be required to seek advice from an advisory committee before re-engaging in employment, business or professional activities.

During the three-year control period, blanket exemption will be made for a former chief executive to undertake appointment with the Central Authorities or the Hong Kong Government, or academic, charitable or other non-profit making organisations, or non-commercial regional or international organisations.

Post-office services

The commission has also studied whether post-office services should be provided to a former chief executive. It recommends that protocol arrangements, medical and dental care and security protection should be provided. The provision of security is subject to Police assessment.

"A former CE could play an ambassadorial role for the country and Hong Kong after leaving office. If a former CE is willing to take up this task, the Government should provide office accommodation. The office will not be established to serve one particular former CE, but should be available for any former CE who is prepared to play an ambassadorial role. The office should provide necessary secretarial and administrative support, as well as a car with driver," Mr Wong said.