Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said on Wednesday she had met with Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office director Xia Baolong during her visit to Beijing, and noted the top Chinese diplomat highly valued the work in perfecting district administration.
“He [Xia] also reminded us [the SAR govt] to facilitate the District Councils’ consultative function and the function of providing services as stated in Article 97 of the Basic Law, so that they have a full grasp of public opinion and are able to assist in the SAR government’s administration,” Mak told reporters as she concluded her trip.
Mak also said Xia didn’t specifically talk about the voters’ turnout in the coming District Council elections.
“The voters’ turnout is not the only thing that matters when it comes to an election. There are many factors affecting the turnout, like there could have been rain, or the temperature reached up to 40 degree Celsius.”
The most important thing is that the elections can run smoothly and orderly to elect a group of suitable councilors to better serve Hongkongers, Mak noted.
Mak continued that authorities are now preparing for the formation of a new term of district councils, including administrative guidelines and rules of procedure, after the Legislative Council passed the amendment bill earlier this month.
When asked about the legislation on regulating fake news, Mak said authorities are now near the end stage.
Authorities will further vet the research report from the consultant and give recommendations to the Chief Executive that apply best to situations in Hong Kong.
