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Constitution and Administration

government policies and issuing executive orders, among other duties. The Executive Council assists the Chief Executive in policymaking.

Executive Council

The Basic Law requires the Chief Executive to consult the Executive Council before making important policy decisions, except for the appointment, removal and disciplining of officials. and the adoption of measures in emergencies; introducing bills to the Legislative Council; making subordinate legislation; or dissolving the Legislative Council. The Chief Executive in Council also determines appeals, petitions and objections under those ordinances which confer a statutory right of appeal. If the Chief Executive does not accept a majority opinion of the Executive Council, he or she shall put the specific reasons on record.

As at 31 December, the Executive Council had 32 members, comprising 16 Principal Officials and 16 Non-Officials. As provided for in the Basic Law, the Chief Executive appoints members of the Executive Council from among the principal officials of the executive authorities, members of the Legislative Council and public figures. They must be Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the HKSAR with no right of abode in any foreign country. The Chief Executive decides on the appointment or removal of Executive Council members, whose term of office shall not extend beyond the expiry of the term of office of the Chief Executive who appoints them.

The Chief Executive presides at Executive Council meetings, which are normally held once a week. Its proceedings are confidential, although many of its decisions are made public. The Executive Council held 57 meetings during 2020.

Legislative Council

Powers and Functions

Under the Basic Law, the Legislative Council of the HKSAR shall exercise the following powers and functions:

• To enact, amend or repeal laws in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and legal procedures;

• To examine and approve budgets introduced by the government;

• To approve taxation and public expenditure;

• To receive and debate the policy addresses of the Chief Executive;

• To raise questions on the work of the government;

• To debate any issue concerning public interests;

• To endorse the appointment and removal of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court;

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