Exco to stick to its discreet principles, says Donald Tsang
The government yesterday said principles of confidentiality and collective responsibility in the chief executive's cabinet would remain unchanged, despite claims by the Liberal Party that rules would be relaxed.
Amid calls to clarify how the Executive Council is to operate after July 1, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen yesterday announced that all 15 cabinet members would remain in his new term, with the outgoing chief secretary, Rafael Hui Si-yan, as the only new face.
Speaking after the announcement, Liberal Party vice-chairwoman and Exco member Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said she was assured by Mr Tsang that there would be room for greater communication with her party through 'confidential consultation'.
Party chairman James Tien Pei-chun said Mrs Chow would be allowed to consult the party within a limited scope.
His understanding of the arrangement was that she could consult the party spokesman on a specific policy portfolio and report the feedback before Exco makes a final decision.
He said he would not leak confidential information by 'consulting our 1,000 party members'.
'I guarantee we will be more discreet than the directors of bureau who leak all the details,' he said.
Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam Sui-lung would not be drawn on the details of the Liberal Party's claim, but admitted communication with political parties would help gauge public opinion.
'The new Exco members will continue to abide by the principles of collective responsibility and confidentiality.
'Building on the experience of the last term, we expect a closer communication with the parties in the new term,' he said.
But other Exco members with political party backgrounds and those in the opposition appeared to be puzzled by the claims of a new arrangement.
Executive councillor Bernard Chan, of The Alliance, said Mr Tsang should clarify any change of rules if they were substantial.
'James Tien was talking about parties having a much bigger say in formulating policies at an early stage, and I think it is not a simple question. I have never heard of any change of rules on confidentiality and collective responsibility,' Mr Chan said.
Lau Kong-wah, vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said: 'If there is a change in Exco arrangements, it should apply to everyone.'
Democratic Party member Yeung Sum said he was concerned about leaks and said that any change to the rules should be explained to lawmakers.
