TNAG-1438-FCO40-1922-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 135

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removal of judges of the highest rank can only be effected by the chief

executive with the endorsement of the legislature of the HKSAR and such

appointment or removal must be reported to the NPC Standing Committee

for record. Judges are appointed by the chief executive acting in

accordance with the recommendation of an independent commission composed of local judges, persons from the legal profession and other eminent

persons.

According to this concept, the powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary are still basically separate. But the chief executive ranks higher than the executive, legislature and judiciary.

The chief executive is somewhat like a 'governor'; he will be accountable to the Central Government as well as to the peo..le of Hong

Kong. This system of accountability, which contains an element of

centralization, is the only means by which the Hong Kong Government

can give full play to its administrative efficiency and maintain a low

cost and free competition for Hong Kong's economic activities. The

chief executive can work freely, without becoming an agent for the big

consortia and letting business fall into the hands of a few monopolizing

groups. At the same time, he an also avoid the situation whereby

government leaders elected by universal suffrage have to please their electors by handing out free lunches or rob the poor to gratify the rich. By avoiding unforeseeable political changes arising from 'one

man one vote', Hong Kong's prosperity and stability can be maintained.

A good civil service system can work effectively as the administrators

will not be troubled by party disputes and forced to take sides.

Such

a system has proven to be effective and is conducive to Hong Kong's continued economic prosperity.

At present there are 320 advisory bodies under the Hong Kong

Government. These act as a channel to consult public opinion and recruit able members of the community to share in the management of public affairs. This is a good way to ensure that the Government

will work in accordance with the needs of the community and that social

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