TNAG-1861-FCO40-2636-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1989 — Page 170

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(9)

To deal with, on behalf of the Government of the

Hong Kong SAR, external affairs and other affairs

authorized by the Central Authorities;

(10) To approve the introduction of motions regarding

or expenditure to the Legislative

revenues

Council;

(11) To decide, in the light of security and

significant

pu blic interest, whether government

officials or other personnel in charge of

government affairs should testify or give evidence

before the Legislative Council or its committees;

(12) To pardon persons convicted of criminal offences

or commute their penalties; and

(13) To handle petitions and comp la int s.

Article 49

If the Chief Executive considers that a bill

passed by the Legislative Council is not compatible with

the overall interest of the Hong Kong SAR, he/she may

return it to the Legislative Council within three months

for reconsideration. If the Legislative Council passes the original bill again by no less than a two-thirds majority, the Chief Executive must sign and promulgate it within one month, or act in accordance with the provisions of Article

50 of this Law.

Article 50

If the Chief Executive refuses to sign the bill passed by the Legislative Council for a second time, or the

Legislative Council refus es to pass the bu dget or other important bills int roduced

by

the government and if

consensus still cannot be reached after consultations, the Chief Executive may dissolve the Legislative Council.

Before dissolving the Legislative Council the

Chief Executive should ask for

ask for opinions from the Executive

Council.

A Chief Executive can dissolve the Legislative

Council only once in each term of office.