COUNCILLORS last night backed a motion calling for the controversial Complaints Against the Police Office (CAPO) to be replaced by an independent panel.
United Democrat Mr James To Kun-sun's motion survived the challenge of appointed legislator Mrs Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja's amendment by a meagre five-vote margin (29 to 24) after a 21/2-hour debate.
Mrs Lam's amendment, which suggested a watered-down option of allowing civilians to join CAPO, was backed by the Government.
Secretary for Security Mr Alistair Asprey refused to say whether the Government would abide by Mr To's motion.
''The only thing I've got to say is that I have made views of the administration, I hope, very clearly, in my speech and at this stage I have nothing to add to that,'' Mr Asprey said.
He said during the debate that making CAPO independent would not be ''necessary or desirable''.