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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
MR. LAI HOK-LIM (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, this is not possible. Standing Order 25(1) states that the Member should withdraw from the meeting.
I hope Members will understand that we are not against any particular person. In fact, we support the motion. However, since there is the system of declaration of interests, I consider that we should follow it. Since Mr. CHEUNG has declared his interests, he shall withdraw from the meeting under the Standing Order. The requirement that he shall withdraw from the meeting means that he is not allowed to join the meeting. 'Withdrawing' does not mean that he has no right to vote. It means compulsory departure from the meeting.
Regrettably, the Democratic Party is the next one to speak. If there is a quorum, the Party will support the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):- There is barely a quorum now because I have just made the count. As I said just now, I hope Members will be brief in their speeches and be patient.
MR. LAI HOK-LIM (in Cantonese):- If one more Member joins.....
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):- Impossible. I have looked around and have also urged Members to be patient......
MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):- Can the Standing Order be suspended?
Chairman (in Cantonese):- This cannot be done if there is no quorum.
I consider that the spirit of the withdrawal is not to speak and not to vote.
MR. LAI HOK-LIM (in Cantonese):- The legal effect of the resolution might be challenged. Mr. Chairman, whether the motion is carried or lost, I am worried that the legal effect of today's proceedings would be challenged, leading to further challenges to the Council in future.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):- There are two options to solve the problem. The first one is that if his withdrawal is insisted, there will be no quorum and the meeting will end here. The second one is that we could regard the spirit of the withdrawal as not having the right to speak and vote. In that case, there will be a quorum and the meeting may continue.
Would Members make their decisions on this?
THE HON. AMBROSE CHEUNG WING-SUM (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, should a Member with a conflict of interests withdraw from the meeting and