(1) The Minister may, in writing, appoint an eligible person to act as the government co‑chairperson—
(a) during a vacancy in the office of the government co-chairperson; or
(b) during any period when—
(i) the government co-chairperson is absent; or
(ii) the government co-chairperson is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions and duties of that office.
(2) For the purpose of subregulation (1), an eligible person is a person who meets the criteria set out in regulation 553F(2).
(3) An appointment under subregulation (1) is for a period not exceeding 3 consecutive meetings.
(4) An eligible person acting as the government co-chairperson—
(a) may exercise all the powers of the government co-chairperson; and
(b) must perform all the functions and duties of the government co‑chairperson.
Reg. 553K inserted by S.R. No. 106/2020 reg. 3.