Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday expressed confidence that the upcoming new-term Legislative Council will continue to uphold the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, and further strengthen executive-led governance.
He emphasized the importance of constructive exchanges and collaboration between the legislature and the special administrative region government as key drivers for effective governance and Hong Kong’s development.
Presiding over a seminar on executive-legislative collaboration, Lee outlined expectations for the upcoming LegCo election, scheduled for Dec 7, which will return 90 lawmakers. The nomination period runs from Oct 24 through Nov 6. Lee called on those who love Hong Kong and the nation, possess governance capabilities, and are dedicated to serving the public to consider running for office.
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Lee expressed hope that new lawmakers will provide valuable input to help the SAR government pursue deeper reforms and maintain Hong Kong’s continued progress.
He recalled that since taking office in 2022, his administration has proactively fostered positive relations with the legislature, including holding monthly Antechamber Exchange Sessions and the Chief Executive’s Interactive Exchange Question and Answer Session, to enhance communication and policy coordination.
Since the refinement of the SAR’s electoral system in 2021, Lee added, the executive-legislative relationship has regained a sense of rationality, leading to more constructive interaction.
The current LegCo term, the first formed under the improved electoral system, has made remarkable accomplishments since taking office in January 2022, Lee said. Over its four-year tenure, the legislature has passed around 130 bills, a 60 percent increase from the previous term, including the landmark Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a long-awaited local legislation to reinforce the national security protection framework in the city. In addition, LegCo has scrutinized 261 projects totaling HK$697.2 billion ($89.7 billion).
These achievements, according to Lee, demonstrated that the 2021 electoral system overhaul has effectively prevented disruptive forces from exploiting LegCo and district councils to destabilize Hong Kong or endanger national security.
The updated electoral system has also aligned the legislature more closely with the city’s actual situation, creating a democratic environment suitable for Hong Kong’s needs, Lee said.
The seminar gathered senior government officials, incumbent lawmakers, community representatives, and experts to share insights on strengthening local governance.
In response to widespread discussion among the community and media, LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen commented on some lawmakers’ decision not to seek reelection — himself included — citing personal or other reasons. He said that member turnover is a “healthy and natural norm” for the legislature, and reiterated confidence that the upcoming election will bring in a new generation of talented and promising individuals from diverse sectors, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s development.
Leung encouraged candidates to focus their election campaigns on their capabilities, sense of responsibility, and vision for both Hong Kong and the country’s development, helping voters make informed choices.
Lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king said it is important for LegCo members to recognize their roles as part of the city’s governance team.
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She called for deeper collaboration with the executive branch to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods, particularly in jointly addressing crucial public issues.
Sharing his perspective, Lau Siu-kai, a consultant of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, urged closer cooperation between the government and the new LegCo to better align Hong Kong with national development strategies, such as the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) — currently being drafted by central authorities. The renowned sociologist also stressed the need to accelerate progress on key initiatives like the Northern Metropolis and to collectively tackle ongoing external challenges.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
