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During the last century, Hong Kong has
developed its own system of consultation between
government and the community to overcome the obvious
problems arising from its geo-political situation, which
is not conducive to an elected administration.
This system
has proved more sensitive to the needs and aspirations of
the community than many conventional and democratic
methods elsewhere.
The machinery of government is supported by
a wide range of advisory boards and committees concerned
with particular aspects of policy and representing the
various civic interests.
There are about 120 of these
bodies on which members of the public are represented.
Most major policies either emenate from their recommendations
or are referred to them for comment and advice.
Grievances
There are several well developed channels for
the examination of complaints from members of the public.
The most common method is a letter or petition to the
department cancerned or to the Governor or Colonial Secretary.
Complaints and representations are also dealt with by the
office run by the unofficial members of the Executive Council
and Legislative Council (UMELCO) which operates on the same
lines as an M.P.'s constituents office. Complaints are
heard by the City District Officers, District Officers and
Urban Councillors. The absence of statutory powers of
investigation is offset by the lack of restriction on the
type of complaint which can be investigated.
The wide range
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