South China Morning Post: EU concerned by ministerial system Report on SAR says neutrality of civil service must not be undermined

Former governor Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations, also said in a statement accompanying the annual report on Hong Kong that residents were understandably nervous about the future, but this was due more to the economic downturn than politics. The EU report says that "one country, two systems" had been working "reasonably well" since the handover and it was important for both Hong Kong and the mainland to remain committed to maintaining two systems.

"However, the actual implementation of this principle has given rise to some debate and uncertainty, notably in relation to the right of abode and the recent establishment of the so-called ministerial accountability system," it said.

The report said it was essential to ensure that the changes introduced under the ministerial system reinforced rather than undermined the civil service.

"If Hong Kong is to do as well in the future as it has in the past, it is vital that its civil service remains meritocratic, apolitical and able to give impartial and fearless advice in the overall interests of the people," the report said.

Expecting democracy would come under the public spotlight in the coming years; the commission said a free and open debate would reaffirm the concept of "one country, two systems".

While noting the treatment of Falun Gong in the territory, the commission said it would also continue monitoring any proposed [...] legislation which could curtail freedom of expression.

Mr Patten said the SAR was facing a difficult and testing time. [..]