The civil service chief’s remarks came after four civil servants, including two administrators of a Facebook "Civil Servant Secrets" social media page, were arrested last Tuesday for alleged fraud and publication of seditious content to "promote enmity."

Speaking to reporters today, Yeung said civil servants will not find themselves in trouble as long as they do not disclose confidential information, adding it is fine for them to criticize government policies on social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the top official said she has been meeting with civil servant groups regularly and would also accept criticisms on government policies or human resource management.

Yeung stressed that, except on social media platforms, there are still plenty of channels for civil servants to express their views.