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CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):--However, if you mention a name, you have singled out that person and that already fits in the situation. As to whether your remark is a personal charge depends on how it is being interpreted. For instance, if you say that someone is or is not loyal to his country and so on and so forth, it might involve in that kind of suspicion which I hope can be avoided. It will be better if no name is mentioned. If you mention a name and then go on to make a general remark, then there will be no problem. But if you say something which may affect that person or you make comments on his behaviour, it will involve personal charge. Therefore, I hope our colleagues will co-operate to avoid this, okay? Sometimes, you may say that a certain person has done this or that, but the statement you make may be groundless, basing only on what you heard from the others. It would not be good then.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):—I would like to clarify a point. It is okay to mention other Members' names, but it is up to you, Mr. Chairman to judge whether the remark is insulting or not. You may decide whether to stop the Councillor or request him to withdraw what he has said, do you understand?
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—If you insist on mentioning names, I will have to cut your speech. If I have to cut your speech every time you mention someone's name or request you to withdraw a certain remark every now and then, the meeting will not proceed smoothly. Therefore, I think we should avoid mentioning names, then there will not be serious problems. If you just say 'a certain Councillor', we will all understand whom you refer to. So I think no names should be mentioned, okay? I hope everyone will co-operate in this respect.
MR. KAM NAI-WAI (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have some reservations on your comments. Some Members mentioned just now that we did not observe the law. I think the most important thing is whether we are in compliance with the Standing Orders or not. Is it stipulated in the Standing Orders that we cannot mention other Councillors' names in our speeches? I think that the Chairman has no authority to disallow this. I hope Mr. Chairman would clarify this point, I agree that if there is any case of showing contempt for or calumniation against other Members, you can exercise your adjudication. However, you cannot stop any of us from mentioning the names of other Members. Just now there were other Councillors mentioning the names of other Members. I think it is particularly unfair to me for you to make such remarks right after I mentioned a name. At the same time, please refer to the Standing Orders to see whether there is any provisions on such situation. I just observe the Standing Orders now. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-It is stipulated in Standing Order No. 21(7)(c) Forbidden subject matter in speeches that 'A Member while speaking on a
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