A panel that will advise ministers on what jobs they can take up when they leave their posts has been criticised by lawmakers as a toothless tiger.
The attack followed the Government's confirmation that whatever advice the panel gives on issues of possible conflict of interest is not binding.
Some political parties fear ministers could abuse official information after stepping down, or instigate policies beneficial to their future jobs.
Under the ministerial reform, to be introduced on July 1, ministers will have to obtain the advice of a committee, appointed by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, before taking up jobs or operating businesses within one year of stepping down.
At a Legco sub-committee studying the proposals yesterday, the Democratic Party, The Frontier and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong were concerned that the panel would be powerless if the ministers ignored the advice.
Democrat Cheung Man-kwong said: 'The advice is not binding. The committee is indeed a toothless tiger without any power.
'The ministers will be tempted to abuse what they have obtained during their term of office in the private sector.'
