TNAG-1220-FCO40-1530-Democratic-representation-and-reform-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 184

BACKGROUND NOTE

1.

The main mechanism for investigating complaints and

grievances about public administration in Hong Kong is the

'UMELCO system', that is, the Office of the Unofficial Members

of the Executive and Legislative Councils. UMELCO is not

defined or confined by law. It handles all public complaints,

appeals and representations made to Unofficial Members which

allege official maladministration. Unofficial Members have

the right to information, including Government files; the

right of access to Government officers; and the right to

challenge a department's decisions or actions.

2.

The UMELCO system has been developed in two areas of

particular sensitivity through the appointment by the Governor

of an ICAC complaints committee and a UMELCO police group,

both of whose terms of reference include monitoring, and where

appropriate reviewing, the handling by the ICAC or police of

complaints against whichever body.

3.

There is also the role of justices of the peace, who make

regular visits to prisons, hospitals and other institutions

which hold persons in Government care or custody.

complaints and make written reports on their visits.

4.

They hear

Finally, under Colonial Regulation 168 there is the right

of any individual to make representations to the Governor on

matters of a public or private nature.

Hong Kong and General Department

1 February 1983