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The Government published today (February 20) the Consultation Paper on the District Council Appointment System.
"The appointment system of the District Councils (DCs) has provided a channel for community leaders and persons with different professional expertise and experience to participate in community services over the years.
"Taking into account the constitutional development in Hong Kong, the Government reviewed the DC Appointment System last year. In September 2011, the Government announced that the DC Appointment System could be abolished in phases by going through a transitional period," a Government spokesman said.
The number of appointed members was reduced by one-third in the fourth term of the DCs commencing on January 1 this year, i.e. only 68 members were appointed instead of 102.
"The Government also indicated that after the DC election in November 2011, further public discussions would be embarked on as to how the DC Appointment System should be dealt with," he added.
The Government published the Consultation Paper on the DC Appointment System to invite the public to provide views on how the remaining 68 seats should be abolished. The Administration was inclined to abolish all the remaining 68 seats in one go when the next term of the DCs commences on January 1, 2016.
"This would be more compatible with the steps Hong Kong has taken in constitutional development including the continued democratisation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) election and the changes in the role of appointed DC members in the LegCo election and the Chief Executive Election Committee Subsector elections," the spokesman said.
He emphasised that the Government would look at the views collected during the public consultation before formulating a final suggestion, which would be provided to the Chief Executive designate for consideration.
The Consultation Paper is available at the website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau at www.cmab.gov.hk and will be available at the Public Enquiry Service Centres of District Offices starting from tomorrow. Views on the Consultation Paper can be sent by mail, facsimile or e-mail on or before April 20 this year to the following address, facsimile number or e-mail address:
Address:
Team 2, Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau,
Central Government Offices, 12/F, East Wing,
2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong
Fax number: 2840 1976
e-mail address: dcas_consultation@cmab.gov.hk
Ends/Monday, February 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:19
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