1989 Ed.]
Official Languages
[CAP. 5
1
CHAPTER 5
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
To provide for the official languages of Hong Kong, and for their status and use.
[15 February 1974]
Originally 10 of 1974-79 of 1975, L.N. 306 of 1980, 17 of 1987, R. Ed. 1988, L.N. 307 of 1989
1.
Short title
This Ordinance may be cited as the Official Languages Ordinance.
2. Interpretation
In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires--
"Bilingual Laws Advisory Committee" means the Committee established under section 4C; (Added 17 of 1987 s. 2)
"court" means any court, and also means any board, tribunal or person having by law the power to hear, receive and examine evidence on oath.
3.
Official languages and their status and use
(1) The English and Chinese languages are declared to be the official languages of Hong Kong for the purposes of communication between the Government or any public officer and members of the public.
(2) The official languages possess equal status and, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, enjoy equality of use for the purposes set out in subsection (1).
4.
Enactment of Ordinances in both official languages
(1) All Ordinances shall be enacted and published in both official languages.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall require an Ordinance to be enacted and published in both official languages where that Ordinance amends another Ordinance and-
(a) that other Ordinance was enacted in the English language only; and