Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Thursday that the enhanced relations between the executive and legislative branches — a major improvement brought about through the efforts of the administration and the revamped electoral system — are crucial for ensuring the future progress of the city, and urged new lawmakers to continue working in a cooperative spirit with the government for better governance.
On Thursday, the government held a seminar chaired by Lee on executive-legislative collaboration for effective governance and Hong Kong's future improvement.
Lee highlighted the administration’s commitment since assuming office to actively fostering relations between the executive and legislative branches, and the new approaches that have been implemented to achieve positive results in this area, including the monthly Ante Chamber Exchange Sessions and the Chief Executive’s Interactive Exchange Question and Answer Session, which give government officials and lawmakers more opportunities to exchange views.
He said that, following improvements to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system, relations between the city’s legislative and executive branches have regained a sense of rationality, fostering more constructive interactions.
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The Legislative Council has achieved remarkable progress, with about 130 bills having been passed in the current four-year term — over 60 percent more than in the previous term — addressing areas such as national security, affordable housing, and ride-hailing services. The legislature’s Finance Committee has scrutinized 261 projects, amounting to a total commitment of HK$697.2 billion ($89.7 billion), said Lee.
The electoral system reform has also put to an end the ability of disruptive forces to exploit the Legislative Council and district councils with the aim of sabotaging Hong Kong’s stability and endangering national security, Lee said, adding that there are no more filibusters during proceedings or insults hurled at government officials launched by lawmakers.
The Legislative Council conducts efficient, high-quality legislative sessions that follow a rigorous process, while the government attentively listens to the suggestions and actively responds to opinions, Lee said.
He said that the past four years have validated the reform of the legislature and brought it more in line with the actual situation in the city, providing a suitable democratic system for Hong Kong.
A total of 90 lawmakers from different professional backgrounds and with differing political beliefs —demonstrating the extensive representativeness and balanced participation in the LegCo election — now gather to discuss and debate rationally, as a civilized, harmonious and efficient Legislative Council should, said Lee.
The executive and legislative branches can now work together as a matter of daily routine to solve problems for the people and to bring happiness to the community, added Lee.
Senior government officials, incumbent lawmakers, representatives from diverse community sectors, along with experts and scholars, were invited to share their perspectives and foster consensus at the seminar.
With the approach of new LegCo election, to be held on Dec 7, Lee urged those who love Hong Kong and the nation, possess governance capabilities, and are dedicated to serving the public to actively run for election. He also pledged that his administration is fully prepared to ensure a smooth electoral process.
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The upcoming election will return 90 lawmakers sitting in the new-term legislature, with its nomination period starting on Oct 24.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
