【明報專訊】THE STORM provoked by proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance shows no signs of abating, and the government's handling of the matter has caused discontent among many civil servants. Anonymous executive officers (EOs) have issued an open letter criticising chief executive Carrie Lam and the police. Some civil servants even said they would consider organising industrial action. However, the Government Employees Association and other organisations have called on civil servants to remain committed to their post and politically neutral. The government depends on civil servants to keep the machinery of governance working. As the principle of political stances is at issue, the open letters have inevitably attracted controversy. Nevertheless, it is certain that the uproar from civil servants is a warning sign for the government. Considering the possible impacts on the people, civil servants should think twice before taking any industrial action. But the problem can only be resolved by the one who created it. The government must respond to demands by the public by officially withdrawing the amendment bill and setting up an independent commission of inquiry. Only then will the civil service be able to concentrate on serving the people.