9. (1) The general functions of the Regulator shall be to—

(a) establish and maintain a register of AHBs,

(b) register persons as AHBs,

(c) prepare draft standards for approval by the Minister under section 37 and publish the approved standards,

(d) monitor and assess compliance by AHBs with this Act, in particular the approved standards,

(e) carry out investigations under Part 5,

(f) under Part 6, protect tenants and AHBs and cancel the registration of AHBs,

(g) encourage and facilitate the better governance, administration and management, including corporate governance and financial management, of AHBs by the provision of such information and advice, in such form and manner, as the Regulator considers appropriate,

(h) with a view to promoting awareness and understanding of this Act, make available such information as appears to the Regulator to be expedient to give to the public about the operation of this Act, in such form and manner, as the Regulator considers appropriate,

(i) collect such information concerning AHBs as the Regulator considers necessary and appropriate for the purposes of the performance of the Regulator’s functions, and

(j) publish such information (including statistical information) concerning AHBs as the Regulator considers appropriate.

(2) In performing its functions the Regulator shall have regard to—

(a) the policies and objectives of the Government or any Minister of the Government in so far as they affect or may relate to the functions of the Regulator,

(b) the need to cooperate with and coordinate its activities with other public authorities, the performance of whose functions may affect or relate to the functions of the Regulator (other than the functions referred to in subsection (1)(d), (e) and (f)), and

(c) the resources available to the Regulator.

(3) The Regulator shall have all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.

(4) Subject to this Act, the Regulator shall be independent in the performance of its functions.

(5) The Regulator may perform any of its functions through or by any member of the staff of the Regulator duly authorised in that behalf by the Regulator.