|
The Executive Council is an organ for assisting the Chief Executive in
policy making. Under Article 56 of the Basic Law, except for the appointment,
removal and disciplining of officials and the adoption of measures in
emergencies, the Chief Executive shall consult the Executive Council before
making important policy decisions, introducing bills into 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 shall put the specific reasons on record.
The Executive Council has 19 members. As provided
for in Article 55 of the Basic Law, Members of the Executive Council are
appointed by the Chief Executive from among the principal officials of
the executive authorities, Members of the Legislative Council and public
figures. They are Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the
HKSAR with no right of abode in any foreign country. With the implementation
of the Accountability System for Principal Officials from July 1, 2002,
the membership of the Executive Council now comprises 14 Principal Officials
appointed under the Accountability System and five Non-Officials. Their
appointment or removal is decided by the Chief Executive. The term of
office of Members of the Executive Council shall not extend beyond the
expiry of the term of office of the Chief Executive who appoints them.
The Executive Council normally meets once a week,
and its proceedings are confidential, although many of its decisions are
made public. The Chief Executive presides at its meetings. During the
year, the Executive Council held a total of 48 meetings. |
