ExCo suspension justified: CE

May 22, 2013

Chief Executive CY Leung has reiterated that the suspension of the Executive Council’s weekly meeting yesterday was due to no items being on the agenda, and the decision was made a week ago. It had nothing to do with the matter relating to Barry Cheung.
 
Mr Leung made the statement to the media today before attending a ceremony.
 
He said the Executive Council has met often, and its meetings have lengthened, during the tenure of the present term Government. As a member and convener of the council for about 15 years, he said he believed it has been holding its longest meetings of late.
 
The shortening of the summer recess from two months to two weeks last year meant that the council has held six more meetings than usual.
 
In response to a comment that ExCo members can meet to discuss current social matters even if there are no items on the agenda, he said the council does that all the time. Ex-officio members in two groups had lunch together this month to discuss current affairs.
 
The council’s operation is normal and it remains pro-active and effective, he said.
 
As Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange is now under police investigation, he said it is inappropriate for him to comment on it, adding the Government will ensure law enforcement bodies impartially investigate the matter.
 
He said he received a request from Mr Cheung last night to take leave of absence from all public service positions, and it has been approved.