A bill providing for the ratification of legislation approved by the provisional legislature and the continuity of the legal system was last night tabled to interim body members.
The Reunification Bill was presented in the form of a white bill for discussion. It will undergo three readings at the first post-handover sitting at 2.45 am on July 1.
In a rare move, the Government Information Services faxed the 24-page document to the media. A spokesman refused to be drawn on whether this indicated a change in the Government's policy of non-cooperation with the provisional body.
One of the functions of the umbrella legislation is to confirm the validity of 13 bills - including the controversial Public Order and Societies ordinances, which have been passed by the provisional legislature before the handover.
'There is no doubt about the validity of the laws passed before July 1, but the confirmation process on July 1 would serve as an added assurance,' said the Chief Executive-designate's office.
It also provides for the transfer of legal proceedings, criminal justice system and administration of justice by stipulating that actions launched before July 1 would remain valid after the handover.