Hong Kong official pledges to improve civil service

Cheung Wan-ching, newly appointed Secretary for the Civil Service of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), pledged Thursday that he will strengthen and enhance the liaison mechanism with all the staff unions.

Cheung made the remarks at a media session this morning. He said a new portfolio presented many challenges and the first priority is to make sure that all the ongoing projects would maintain the impetus.

The government announced Tuesday a major cabinet re-shuffle. Secretary for the Civil Service Tang Kwok-wai has resigned, citing "unexpected family reasons." His replacement is Cheung, the commissioner of Customs and Excise.

Separately, Home Affairs Secretary Tsang Tak-sing said he is " glad to resign," and he's being replaced by Lau Kong-wah, the under secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.