The changes to the Legislative Council Rules of Procedure are a matter within the council's power under the Basic Law.
Speaking to the media ahead of today's Executive Council meeting, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the Government, as an executive authority, respects the legislature's functions and powers.
Noting the strong differences between the pro-establishment and non-pro-establishment lawmakers, Mrs Lam said it is difficult for her to act as a mediator over the matter.
"As far as the changes to the Rules of Procedures, this is entirely a matter within the power of the Legislative Council under the Basic Law.
"I always want to be a mediator in order to bring peace, not only to Legislative Council but to society at large, but unfortunately on this matter it seems that the positions of the two groups of Legislative Council members are extremely different or even polarised.
"I really don't think I have that ability or capacity to mediate in the matter."
Mrs Lam said the proposed rule changes are unrelated to the legislative work on Basic Law Article 23.
As it is a contentious issue, the right environment is needed to ensure rational discussion on Article 23 enactment, she added.
She hopes the Legislative Council will finish its discussion on the proposed changes to meeting rules as soon as possible.
