The members of the Council are completely under the Minister’s control. The Minister sets their conditions of service and he can fire any of them on the vague ground that they have engaged in conduct rendering them unsuitable. The sacked members are only entitled to make representations to the Minister. Powers of Council The Council exercises control not just over finances to prevent misappropriation of donor funds. It can investigate what is called maladministration which includes improper conduct justifying cancellation of registration. It can investigate any aspect of the affairs or activities of any NGO. At the instigation of the Council the Minister can appoint an inspector to carry out this investigation and the Minister can suspend some or all of the executive committee for maladministration. If this suspension is not lifted within 30 days, these persons cease to be executive committee members. The Council will also formulate and apply a code of conduct for NGOs. When formulating this code it is not obliged to seek the views of the NGO community. This code is likely to contain further stifling restrictions. 8