(i) Fairness
(ii) Organisation
(3) Public service morale and 1997.
The discussion on the Fabric of the Legal System would also include at least three matters: -
(1)
(2)
Problems concerning executive discretion under Hong Kong law.
Prosecution policy and ancillary matters.
(3)
The Bill of Rights: its practical effect.
As a start, I propose that a meeting be convened for one week in the new year, with participation from various sectors of the governmental, business, legal, academic and other communities. The meeting should be intensely practical, with discussion being intended to identify particular methods of achieving certain specific aims.
Why is this part of the project necessary?
The answer lies in part in its topicality, with each of the three branches of Hong Kong government in a period of flux pending the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. For example, it has become clear that the relationship between politicians and civil servants is central to Hong Kong's evolving democracy, and this raises a series of possible practical reforms which will affect the Legislative Council.
To quote the Governor: -
"The community will look to Members of this Council to play a greater part in the conduct of government business. This is a natural and welcome development. Inevitably, these changes will have their impact on the day-to-day workings of the Council. We will have to look again at some of our rules of procedure. The changes will also affect the way the administration and the Executive Council work with this Council in dealing with the business of government. As our system of government evolves and becomes more complex, we must work together to make sure that all the key parts of that system remain effective as well as responsive to the needs of the territory.
The executive, too, will feel the changes, with the civil service having to confront particular problems. The Governor said this:-
"The civil service too will face adjustments as a result of next
year's changes in the political system. But the need to maintain close links between this Council and the administration will remain. It will, if anything, be greater. At the same time, we