TNAG-0933-FCO40-1152-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1980 — Page 36

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2. Extraordinary meetings of the Assembly can, be called by its President or by the majority of the members, in order to discuss the matters specifically indicated in the summons notice.

Article 34 The Legislative Assembly can only function when at least

half its members are present.

Article 35 - 1. Plenary meetings of the Assembly will be public, unless otherwise determined by the President, either on his own initiative

or following a duly founded proposal submitted by any Deputy, on the grounds of safeguarding public interest.

2. The Assembly can form permanent commissions, or eventual commissions for specific purposes.

Article 56

j.

The decisions of the Legislative Assembly will be taken by a simple majority of votes.

2.

Decisions on the subjects indicated below will be taken by a two

third majority:

a) Cases in which the Governor does not promulgate the diplomas approved

by the Legislative Assembly;

b) Cases mentioned in no. 4 of article 14, in sub-paras (d), (e), (q)

and (s) of article 31, and no 2 of article 40.

3.

Should there be a draw, the President will have a casting vote.

Ga

Article 37

1.

The Governor can attend the meetings of the Assembly

whenever he wishes, but he will not have a right to vote.

2. The President can ask people who are not members of the Assembly, and who are especially competent or knowledgeable as regards the subjects submitted to their consideration, to attend without a right to vote, the sessions of the Assembly or the meetings of the committees mentioned in no 2 of article 35, either on his own initiative or upon request

of any of the Deputies.

Article 38 1. Deputies to the Assembly can:

a) Raise questions in writing for the clarification of public opinion, on any acts of the Governor or administration of the territory; b) Hear, consult or request information from any corporation or official body on matters relating to public administration, regardless of the period of effective functioning of the Legislative Assembly.

Answers to the requests for clarification or information made in terms of the previous paragraph can only be refused on the grounds of State secret, official bodies not being however allowed to provide an answer without the Governor's previous consent.

2.