Executive Council

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.

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 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with no right of abode in
any foreign country. Their appointment or removal is decided by the Chief
Executive. The term of office of Members of the Executive Council may
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. It is
presided over by the Chief Executive.

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