DFAP Albert Lai : poised for $100 million spending spree

A firm handshake and a wide beaming smile greeted OffBeat upon arrival at the office of Director of Finance, Administration and Planning Albert Lai Kwok-ying. A warm, positive introduction from a man shouldering such responsibilities begs the question - why? But he has good reason to smile, and so do members of the Force, but more about that later.

Entering what must be one of the most challenging phases of his professional life, Mr Lai drew interesting comparisons between his expectations and demands of his new position, and those placed on the Force by the public.

"Since joining the Government in the '70s, I have developed a better understanding of the role of our city's law enforcement officers and greatly respect those men and women who dedicate their lives to the preservation of law and order. This is a Force that gets things done," enthused Mr Lai.

Referring to the "human face" of the Force, Mr Lai admitted the Force had its share of problems but nothing that a similar sized corporation would not also experience were its role and position in the eyes of the community also changing.

"Many years ago those who joined the Force were looked upon as tough and macho - something akin to the military," said Mr Lai. "Those days, however, are rapidly coming to an end as the focus of the Force shifts, reflecting changes in society as a whole.

"As you develop a greater understanding of the Force and the many facets of its day-to-day operations, a deeper side of this organisation is revealed, a side that demonstrates compassion, fairness and understanding in its dealings with the community."

"This is a Force that gets things done."

Mr Lai cited his attendance at a recent Junior Police Call event as an excellent example, where young people's interest in the Force serves as a basis for further informing them about the different aspects of crime prevention through education, understanding and appreciation.

"Many young people are looking to join the Force these days," said Mr Lai. "Competition is fierce among applicants and although the normal entry requirement is Form 5 level, many would-be recruits have university degrees nowadays.

"A stable, long-term career with the Force is now viewed as desirable which must be acknowledged as a reflection of the increased status of Police in the eyes of the average citizen."

Mr Lai recalled the days of his own youth in the '50s and '60s, when joining the Force was seen as desirable by young people but not by most parents, who did not know much about the duties of Police officers other than the fact that they dealt with the dubious fringe elements of society.

"The community as a whole has come to accept that a career with the Force is meaningful and worthwhile. Objections by parents regarding a career with the Force have proved to be unfounded. The world is changing. Technologies are changing. We must be ready to respond accordingly," emphasised Mr Lai.

"We must keep up with the times. Modern-day challenges in the form of computer and commercial crimes require tackling but so does the age old fight against common criminals. There really is a slot for every peg, round or square, in our Police Force."

"Many years ago those who joined the Force were looked upon as tough and macho - something akin to the military."

Addressing the issue of the reported $100 million currently sitting in the Save to Invest Account, Mr Lai stated that the allocation of these monies should be high on the list of conversation topics throughout the Force.

"This money is actually a reward for efficiency," said Mr Lai.

"The Government is pushing through public sector reforms such as containing the size of the Civil Service and the Enhanced Productivity Scheme. The budget for the Force is some $12 billion annually, and we have to produce five per cent savings over three years.

"Save to Invest is a scheme under EPP whereby, after saving this money, we are allowed to use part of it on our own priorities over and above normal budget allocations. We can spend it on items not involving future recurrent expenditure."

"We would like to cast the net as widely as possible with the distribution of these funds."

So what suggestions have been put forward for the distribution of these funds?

"Well, actually, we are still in the process of consulting formation commanders regarding utilisation and distribution of this money, and all suggestions will certainly be considered," said Mr Lai.

"The ground rules are simply that allocation will have to benefit the unit and not duplicate existing programmmes, as well as enhancing what we are currently doing. We would like to cast the net as widely as possible with the distribution of these funds.

"For instance, the money could be used to fund more smaller projects. This way the impact across the Force would be greater."

On a final note, Mr Lai stated that he was new to the job and was actually still finding his way after a relatively short period.

"In my previous position I was in charge of a small department of only 260 people. Now my work has a bearing on the lot of some 6,000 civilians and 28,000 police officers.

"It's a big change and with it has come challenges of a different kind. It must be said though that my new position has a more specific focus."





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