Full Translation of Part V (last part) of An Interview with Senior Exco Unofficial Sir S.Y. Chung on Basic Law and Representative Government Published in Ming Pao on Saturday, September 21, 1985
Writer:
Margaret Ng
Main Headline: Sir S.Y. Chung speaks on Basic Law and representative
government
Text:
Sub-headlines:
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Most of the current functions of Exco would disappear in the future
Would the future Financial Secretary still be a member of Exco?
Yes.
But would he have the power to make decisions?
No, unless he was an elected Legco member at the same time.
Does it mean that what he says in Exco could be completely overruled when it goes to Legco?
A: Right.
Q: This development would have great effects on Exco, wouldn't it?
A:
The effects would be very great. Most of the existing functions of Exco would disappear. Unless Legco respects Exco, proposals made by Exco could be rejected one by one.
Q: Don't you think Exco could be formed by ministers?
A: It could in principle. But things are not that simple, and much efforts have to be made to think it over clearly. This is why Umelco members have set up a group to specifically study the question of constitutional affairs. At present, it is examining the government structures of more than 10 countries, including Britain, the US, Singapore, India and Japan, to find a formula which is most in line with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and which is suitable for HK's circumstances. There are many questions which have not yet been fully discussed. For example, should HK have a bicameral system? These are questions which we would look into. This has to be stipulated in the Basic Law.