TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 147

draft Basic Law. This is understandable.

Some people would like to see first Chief Executive should be elected in same way as his immediate successors. Believe that it would greatly enhance confidence if this were so.

Important that Chief Executive should be clearly identified by Hong Kong people as representative of their wishes and interests 'their man'. Only then can he command general confidence.

ACCOUNTABILITY OF EXECUTIVE TO LEGISLATURE. ARE CURRENT PROVISIONS

ADEQUATE?

To be effective in his job Chief Executive will need to have confidence of Legislature. Must have close and sympathetic relationship with Legislature. Be ready to take account of views of Legislature in important matters.

Expect members of Legislature to serve on Executive Council and important Advisory Committees.

Draft Basic Law provision for possible breakdown in this relationship eg requirement of Chief Executive to resign or through impeachment proceedings instituted by Legislature).

are

the interaction between

Article 50 and

is

and (3)

Key provisions Article 52(2), of draft Basic Law, which provide for the

dissolve Leg Co and for him to resign under requires Chief Executive to resign when hiel loses abil

appropiate circumstances.

discharge functions of his office.

SHOULD THERE BE A MINISTERIAL SYSTEM?

Such a development may be desirable at some stage in the future. But impossible to say now whether, and if so when, that

time may come.

Draft Basic Law does not preclude this possibility. Such a system could therefore develop if thought desirable at later stage.