The Act in establishing the Legislative Council clearly pointed
out that the Dewan should have the benefit of discussing with
and taking the opinion of responsible officers associated with
him in matters of legislation which, as being one of the most
important functions of the Government should receive the most
careful consideration before being submitted to the Sovereign
to be passed into law. The Legislative Council thus inaugurated
consisted of a President and such members being not less than
five or more than eight members. Three members and the presiding
authority were to form a quorum. The Council was to exercise its
power of making laws and Acts only at meetings presided over by
the Dewan or the senior official member present.
The first set of rules were to be framed by the Dewan but power
was given to the Council to make suitable amendments in the Rules.
There was,however , a proviso added that it "shall be lawful
for the Sovereign to disallow any such Rule and to render it of
no effect.". The Bills passed by the Council and the draft
Acts prepared by the Dewan in emergent cases were nothing more
than recommendations to the Sovereign. It was the affixing of
the Sign Manual which invested them with legal effect and gave
them their authority.