But instead of returning the former bosses to their original positions, the tradition of “saving face” has an additional problem: what to do with the undesirables?
This undesirability results either because they caused considerable indigestion – I believe that was the case of former Commissioner of Audits, Fátima Choi – or because they showed a limited ability to fulfil the post, or even because they used the post for personal gain instead of using their experience to enhance their performance.
Most of these have recently been catapulted to advisory posts, a golden cage that welcomes them all equally.
We may ask: if they weren’t fit for the job, why did they last a decade? Simple: Edmund Ho Hau Wah’s administration was partially characterised by managing compromises and priority solving.
If matters weren’t deemed to be a priority or there was no need to deal with certain compromises, then those questions could be put on the back burner.
The change of government has allowed for certain structural shifts. Unfortunately, not all required changes have been performed.
We would need a monthly cabinet reshuffle and capable people with the vocation to occupy the vacant posts. As we know, the first scenario is not contemplated in the Basic Law and the second would be like reaching Nirvana in the middle of a nightmare.
So, what is the solution to prevent a recurrence of the problem?
Obviously, it’s a mission impossible, but that doesn’t prevent us from imagining idyllic scenarios.
For example, instead of being regarded as a job for life, a public administration job should be just another professional option, with the inherent risk of termination in case of excessive incompetence or stupidity.
Public jobs should work the same way as private jobs. If a certain boss is incapable, that individual should move on and do something else.
“As long as facilitating practices and clientele exist, with the notion that incompetence is not to be discussed as long as people are loyal, we’ll never be more than a second grade city.”

by Paulo A. Azevedo