Lawmakers focus on concrete issues in constructive atmosphere
By Leng Shumei and Chen Qingqing
HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam (left) speaks during the first session of the 7th Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong on January 12, 2022. The Chinese national emblem is displayed above Hong Kong’s bauhinia insignia in the main chamber, underscoring the constitutional status of the HKSAR as one of China’s regions. Photo: VCG
As the 7th Legislative Council (LegCo) completed its first meeting on Wednesday after electoral reform ensured that only patriots can govern the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the chamber not only featured a new look that underscores the constitutional status of the city, but was also filled with a rational and constructive atmosphere.
The new electoral system is bringing local governance onto the correct track and ending the personal attacks and filibustering tactics commonly used by previous radical opposition lawmakers, while some lawmakers told the Global Times that it has turned a new page for Hong Kong’s political life toward good democracy.
Western media outlets and observers slandered the electoral reform saying that the patriot-only principle ensures only lawmakers who are in favor of the HKSAR government can be elected, and that without opposition lawmakers, the LegCo would be turned into a so-called rubber stamp body, the first meeting defied those claims. Carrie Lam, chief executive of the HKSAR government, responded to 17 questions from the lawmakers, some sharp, for example, questioning the government’s policies on issues like anti-COVID-19 measures and the economic recovery plan.
The first meeting was held with the Chinese national emblem hanging above Hong Kong’s bauhinia insignia in the main chamber, a new display of national symbol underscoring the constitutional status of the HKSAR as one of China’s regions. The new display also reflects that “one country” always goes before “two systems,” serving as a reminder for all the 90 lawmakers that they should not only focus on the local affairs in Hong Kong but also on the overall national interest, which Lam said was “a milestone” for the local political system.
Lam delivered a speech at the Wednesday meeting and responded to questions raised by lawmakers concerning legal and regulation amendments and policy advice. The meeting was extended for about half an hour, as the chief executive took the chance to answer as many as questions as possible. Such patience, in the eyes of some lawmakers, also indicates a good start for the administration and legislature to cooperate and check and balance with each other in the future.
Rational, constructive talks
As radical opposition lawmakers left the LegCo, the year 2021 was a fruitful year. The HKSAR government will propose 40 bills to the LegCo and the government expects enhanced cooperation with lawmakers, Lam said in the opening remarks.
The new LegCo is composed of lawmakers from various backgrounds, which shows broad representation and high political inclusiveness, Lam said, noting that she hopes to cooperate with LegCo sincerely to make achievements to win social recognition and demonstrate the advantages of the new election system, laying a good base for the healthy development of democracy.
Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, a LegCo member who was reelected this year, told the Global Times that the Wednesday meeting indicates that the culture of the Hong Kong LegCo has changed a lot and it is the beginning of high-quality democracy for Hong Kong.
The meeting was scheduled to last one and a half hours originally, but due to lawmakers’ active questioning, Lam prolonged it by half an hour, which demonstrates a good start for cooperation between the HKSAR government and the LegCo, he said.
“There was no meaningless abuse. Previously, some radical opposition lawmakers would use very insulting words to please their supporters and catch attention. They just opposed the government for the sake of opposing,” Wong said.
At the meeting, Lam unveiled the government’s restructuring plans by expanding the current 13 government bureaus to 15 with suggestions to add a Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and splitting the Transport and Housing Bureau.
Other proposals included accelerating the local legislation relevant to further safeguarding national security, such as accelerating the legislation of Article 23 as soon as possible.
When asked by LegCo member Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee about the schedule of Article 23, Lam said that it is a responsibility of the HKSAR constitutional system and cannot be delayed any longer. She said that Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung is devoted to the related work.
Lam said a previous schedule they discussed previously is to start consulting within the term of the current regional government. But if lawmakers would like to discuss and finish the legislation within this regional government’s term, the government has no reason to deny that. -The Daily Mail-Global Times News Exchange Item
