Kong government would risk losing future promotions. Apple Daily reported in October 2020 that Nip had previously said those who violate their oaths could also face dismissal and other serious consequences. In addition, he said that civil servants should "explain, implement and promote" government policies without their personal opinions, and also refrain from openly criticizing government decisions. In December 2020, Nip announced that civil servants would be given a month to sign the oath, or risk being fired or ordered to retire if their service is "not in the public interest." On 18 January 2021, Nip again warned civil servants to not express their views publicly, warning that they could be in trouble "If he expresses his view openly, in his capacity as a civil servant, unless the matter is about the pay and conditions of the civil service, otherwise we'll have to consider whether such an expression would create conflict with his duty in the civil service, and whether that would cause misunderstanding on the administration." Additionally, he mentioned that temporary and short-term contractors and staff in the Civil Service would also be required to sign the oath. In February 2021, Nip claimed that if civil servants genuinely accept the oath, then they should not feel threatened by it. Asked if civil servants could express their political opinions outside of work, Nip only said that there are limits to freedom of speech. In March 2021, Nip said that political neutrality means being on the government's side and not being neutral, stating that "What political neutrality actually means is that, for civil servants, they have to support the chief executive and the government of the day in doing this job, irrespective of what their personal belief would be or the political inclinations would be." In April 2021, Nip revealed that 129 members of the Civil Service Bureau had not signed the oath, including those who thought the oath undermines freedom of speech, and said that they would be fast-tracked to be terminated. Apple Daily revealed that senior staff, including directors and administrative officers, had also resigned at a record rate compared to before the policy had taken effect. National security training In February 2022, Nip announced that civil servants would be required to take national security training in order to complete their probationary period. Existing civil servants would also need to take the training before getting promoted. References Living people