from public funds. A Public Accounts Committee considers
the annual report of the Director of Audit and reports to
the Governor.
6. By taking part in the process of government, the Members
of the Executive and Legislative Councils play a significant
role in the administration of Hong Kong. They advise on the
formulation of government policies, participate in the enactment of legislation, consider complaints by members of the public against government departments and monitor the effectiveness of public administration. The 20 appointed
Unofficial members are selected by the Governor from a wide spectrum of society and they hold many seats, outside the two councils, on various committees and boards dealing with
public and community affairs. The 26 elected members
comprise 12 who are elected by an Electoral College composed
of members of the Urban Council (URBCO), the Regional
Council (REGCO) and Hong Kong's 19 District Boards; and 14
who are elected by functional constituencies representing
legal, commercial, industrial, social services, medical,
teaching, labour, financial and professional groups.
7. The Office of Members of the Executive and Legislative
Councils (OMELCO), funded by the Hong Kong Government,
provides research and administrative assistance to
Unofficial members. OMELCO is also an established channel
for the redress of grievances, and it handles all public complaints, appeals and cases of maladministration. Under
the OMELCO redress system, members have the right of access
to government records and senior officials and to challenge
the established practices and policies of government departments. When necessary they bring important issues to
the attention of either of the two councils. They may also refer cases for investigation by the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints.
8. Unofficial Members spend much time studying all
Government bills and any course of government action which
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