DC members must attend at least 80pc of meetings: govt
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak on Monday said incoming district councillors will be required to attend at least 80 percent of meetings each year, under new rules regarding their performance. Speaking after a training session with councillors-elect, the minister said the rules also come with a "negative" list of behaviours they should not engage in. "We have set some targets, such as attending meetings on time every year and having an attendance rate of no less than 80 percent. [District councillors] must also open an office and submit a work report each year to the district council chairman," Mak said. "They have to take part in the district council's 'meet-the-public' scheme, and establish a regular communication mechanism with people in the district." "We are full of expectations for the more than 400 district councillors-elect...I hope each of them will understand that they bear a great responsibility," Mak added. The minister said a review panel could be set up if a councillor is suspected of violating the rules, with possible punishments including a verbal warning or suspension of duty. She pointed out that district councillors are required to notify the secretariat in advance if they plan to leave the SAR for more than 48 hours. The minister said the requirement is intended to let the secretariat know whether all district councillors are in the city when the council has to hold an emergency meeting. She also dismissed suggestions that setting indicators would make district councillors even busier, calling such claims "ridiculous". "A responsible councillor will carry out their duties regardless of whether there are these indicators," Mak said. Wilson Or, who won a seat on Kwun Tong District Council, said the rules will not put any pressure on incoming councillors, and will simply help them understand how they should carry out their work._____________________________
Last updated: 2023-12-18 HKT 21:42 