Hong Kong’s first-time lawmakers have raised fewer questions than their veteran counterparts but recorded a higher attendance rate, a South China Morning Post check has found. Alan Chan Chung-yee, who is also the chief operating officer of Miramar Group, and athlete turned legislator Vivian Kong Man-wai were among those who submitted the fewest questions to the government. Political observers attributed the trend to newcomers seeking to balance respect for the executive-led system with their...
Hong Kong’s lawmakers have embarked on an unprecedented week-long study visit to Beijing, with the Legislative Council’s president saying the trip would help their work of ensuring the city better aligns with national development. Starry Lee Wai-king on Sunday highlighted the significance of the trip, which marks the first time the entire legislature has travelled to the capital for such a “national affairs study visit”. “It is a good time for lawmakers to gain a first-hand understanding of the...
Hong Kong authorities have pledged to fast-track renovation, equipment installation and testing at an upgraded border checkpoint as the legislature prepares to approve the Huanggang Port bill this week, pending an opening date. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, which provides the legal basis for implementing a co-location arrangement at the border crossing, must be approved by July 31 to allow the city to exercise jurisdiction once the...
Hong Kong’s legislature may review and tighten its code for members in light of the resignation of a lawmaker arrested for alleged drink-driving and failing to report an accident, its president has said. “We routinely review the code for Legislative Council members, usually during the latter stage of the term,” Starry Lee Wai-king said on Monday. “This incident will definitely serve as an important reference if we consider amending the code in the future.” William Wong Kam-fai, a lawmaker and...
The president of Hong Kong’s legislature has urged fellow members to be “more rigorous in their conduct” to meet society’s expectations after a lawmaker resigned following his arrest for alleged drink-driving. Breaking her silence on Saturday, Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king said William Wong Kam-fai’s resignation the previous day reflected his willingness to accept responsibility. “I fully understand and comprehend the high expectations that the public has for Legco members....
Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai failed to report his arrest for alleged drink-driving to the Legislative Council as required under its code of conduct, and is expected to face an internal investigation that could result in stiff penalties, the South China Morning Post has learned. The 66-year-old lawmaker, who is also an associate dean of engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), was arrested on Monday night after crashing his car into two parked vehicles on campus. He...