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extent that serious consideration can be given to the introduction of an element of direct election to our system of
Government.
Turning now to the specific proposals of the Green Paper, both the Hon. F.K. HU and myself wish to draw the attention of the Administration to the following points:-
1.
2.
3.
4.
Our
In paragraph 36 of the Green Paper, an electoral college is being proposed consisting of all the elected and appointed members of the District Boards, the Urban Council and the new Regional Council. proposal is that while the electoral college as recommended is acceptable generally, it may not be a bad idea to consider excluding appointed members from the college for the 1988 election, if there will still be a provision for 16 members of the Legislative Council in 1988 to be appointed by the Governor.
The role of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council should gradually change from mainly advising on Government policies and monitoring public expenditure to more actively guiding and directing
policies.
The functional constituencies concept is indeed an interesting one, yet, in the Green Paper, there has not been clear explanation as to how this concept will be implemented. In order to minimize speculations and misunderstandings. Government should as soon as possible publish more details on implementation for public comments and debate.
The function of the Executive Council in my view is more likened to that of performing a cabinet function. It has to deal with matters of policy of a macro nature and over a wide areas of subjects