Chief Executive Donald Tsang commended 76 civil servants at a cocktail reception today after Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue presented awards to them for their meritorious achievements.

Extending congratulations to the awardees from 36 bureaux and departments, Miss Yue thanked them for their contributions to the Government, their departments and the community.

Meritorious service: Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue and Chief Executive Donald Tsang commend outstanding civil servants.

Dedicated service

"A professional, clean and politically neutral civil service is an integral part of effective governance and administration," Miss Yue said, adding the Chief Executive recognised civil servants' professionalism and outstanding performance in his recent Policy Address.

"He said rising civic awareness has increased public demand for accountability. In the face of this challenge the civil service has been as devoted to duty as ever and spared no effort to meet the needs of the community."

Miss Yue said civil servants have to remain humble at all times and be open to suggestions for improvement to ensure continuous efforts are made to enhance the quality of public service to meet society's needs.

The Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation Scheme was introduced in early 2004 to support the Government commitment to upholding high standards of performance and conduct. The awards recognise selected civil servants for consistently outstanding performance.