Carolyn M. Pride 
Home and Youth Secretary Alice Mak said on Saturday the administration was gathering people’s opinions on the role of the district council, before conducting a review of the matter.
She said authorities will also consider whether the council has appointed members in the future, after the current term expires next year.
“It’s imminent [piece of] work that we must complete as soon as possible because I know that many actors in the neighborhoods are very concerned about the development of the Neighborhood Council”, she declared after a radio broadcast.
“But the examination of the district council, or the administration of the district, [be done] in accordance with Articles 97 and 98 of the Basic Law.”
Mak said this means the council should be a district organization that is not an organ of political power, adding that it should be able to consult and represent the people.
Separately, Mak said his first priority is to listen to the opinions of young people and then reflect them in government policies.
She admitted that it was difficult for the administration to gain the trust of the young people and that she planned to have in-depth conversations with them behind closed doors.
The manager said she had already met young people since taking office.
Mak said authorities would announce a youth development plan by the end of the year, covering areas such as employment, starting a business and buying a house.
