Two top political figures on Tuesday backed the government’s decision to withdraw a top honour from former logistics director Carlson Chan following a procurement scandal last year.

The move came after authorities concluded an investigation into the Government Logistics Department’s handling of a bottled water procurement incident, with three current officers also found to have lacked alertness and judgement and delayed reporting issues to superiors.

In response, the government announced it would not award Chan the Silver Bauhinia Star – an honour he had been set to receive – and would withhold salary increments from the three officers, two of whom will also face disciplinary hearings.

Executive Council convenor Regina Ip, who's also a member of the Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee, said senior civil servants must be held accountable for their departments’ performance.

“He [Chan] did not actively monitor and review the work of his department, which led to this major incident affecting the government’s reputation,” she said.

“I feel he was somewhat negligent and should have done more, so the decision to revoke the award is correct.”

Ip added that the government’s serious handling of the matter reflects a responsible attitude and should help address public concerns.

She urged all civil servants to treat the saga as a warning and remain vigilant in their duties.

Lawmaker Priscilla Leung also described the government’s response as appropriate.

She said that while revoking Chan’s award is not a formal punishment, it amounts to a form of political accountability.

"Ultimately, the government bottled water incident or scandal has led to the attention of the public," said Leung, of the Business and Professionals Alliance.

"Many people are concerned, so the department head is sort of held accountable to this (which) may also relieve the public grievance about this."

Leung said she supported the action taken against the three officers and that senior officials should conduct more proactive checks to prevent future scandals.