Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee defended a new, more rigorous appraisal system for civil servants, stating it aims to boost public trust and morale. He acknowledged that adjustments to the changes will take time.

A more rigorous appraisal system for Hong Kong’s civil servants aims to bolster public trust and support, but adjustment to the changes will take time, the city’s leader has said. Facing backlash from unions, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the government would provide further explanation of the revamped appraisal system, which he described as a “fair reward and punishment mechanism” to enhance morale within the civil service. The government unveiled enhancement measures...