Under what circumstance can a member of the Legislative Council be declared unqualified for office?

A member of the Legislative Council can be declared unqualified for office if they are absent for three consecutive months without permission. This provision safeguards the integrity and functionality of the Legislative Council, ensuring that its members are present to fulfill their legislative duties and represent their constituents effectively. Regular attendance is crucial for the legislative process, as it enables active participation in discussions, decision-making, and maintaining a quorum during votes.

The other circumstances do not directly relate to the qualifications for office. Relocating outside of Hong Kong, for instance, may affect a member’s ability to serve, but it is not an automatic disqualification under the law. Accepting a government appointment could signify a conflict of interest, but it is not explicitly laid out as disqualifying in the laws governing Legislative Council members. Declaring bankruptcy might raise questions regarding a member's financial integrity, but it does not strictly lead to disqualification unless stipulated otherwise by specific legal provisions. Therefore, the primary ground for disqualification highlighted in this context is absenteeism without permission.