CONFIDENTIAL
2
Executive
advice of
the
which the
Administration
Council, decides on the policies
will then implement. This does
not, however, mean that the
business according
Executive can go about its
to its own whims. Far from it. Among
other things, this Council has the real and important
powers enabling it to hold the executive
accountable for their actions and decisions.
authorities
2.
debate
The Legislative Council has five main functions.
First, it can propose amendments to, or to refuse to enact,
proposed legislation put forth by the Executive. Second,
it has the power to Vote or deny funds. Third, it can
matters of public policies, as we are now doing.
Fourth, Members of the Council can put questions to the
Executive on any public issues, can call for the attendance
witnesses and the production of documents. And finally,
it can ask the Executive to account for the expenditure of
public funds. These roles are extensive and have been put,
over the years, to good effect by this Council to protect
and to promote the interest of the public. Indeed, the
Basic Law (cf. Chapter IV, Section 3) also provides for
similar functions of the Legislative Council of the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region after 1997.
of
CONFIDENTIAL