XN000022-1996-03-13 — Page 30

17.

"Executive-led" system in Government

Following is a question by the Hon Tsang Kin-shing and a reply by the Chief Secretary, the Hon Anson Chan, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

As the Governor and the Chief Secretary have described on a number of occasions the existing system of government as an "executive-led" system, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

what is an "executive-led" system and what are the specific contents in such a system;

whether the introduction of Members' bills under the Standing Orders of this Council is contrary to the "executive-led" system;

whether the Governor's intention to refuse assent to a Member's bill under certain circumstances as stated in his Policy Address last year is to uphold the "executive-led" system; and

how the Government will ensure that the "executive-led" system will not hamper the development of democracy in the territory?

Reply:

(a)

(b)

The political system of Hong Kong is built on the principle of 'separation of powers' with an executive-led government. The executive, legislature and judiciary have different and independent roles, which check, balance and support each other. Under our executive-led system of government, the executive is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and providing various services to the community. In line with this, it is the Administration's role to put its legislative and expenditure proposals to the Legislative Council for consideration. In short, the Administration proposes and the legislature disposes.

LegCo Members have a constitutional right to introduce Private Members' Bills provided that their proposals do not have the object or effect of disposing of or charging any part of the public revenue. But a proliferation of Private Members' Bills on important issues of public policy would undermine the present division of responsibilities between the executive and the legislature. It would also upset the Administration's own legislative programme, which has been carefully drawn up to take account of the views and aspirations of the various sectors of our community, including LegCo. As the Governor said in his Policy Address, we believe that the public interest would be better served if we moved forward on an agreed basis, rather than on parallel tracks.

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