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Hong Kong politics
OpinionHong Kong Opinion
Alice Wu
Alice Wu

Opinion | Lawmakers can learn from CY Leung’s constructive criticism of government

It is in the public’s best interests for legislators to hold officials to account rather than constantly present a united front

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Chief Executive John Lee is seen on a big screen during a question and answer session in the Legislative Council chamber in Admiralty on May 29. Photo: Dickson Lee
Alice Wu
Plans for the next Legislative Council are being cemented – the nomination process will begin on October 24, with the current term ending on the same day. However, the same can’t be said for the date of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address. So far, we’ve only been told it will be moved up to September, to make time for the Legco elections. Sources have reportedly said it will take place on September 17 but, so far, nothing is official.

That doesn’t seem normal. That being said, just how efficient is Hong Kong’s new and improved political system to begin with? Coordinating dates on a calendar shouldn’t be that difficult. Perhaps this information is only privy to some? Surely it’s in the public’s interest to know what their leaders are planning, and when, unless the policy address is only meant for an audience inside the Legco chamber.

Moreover, Legco elections are happening soon. Candidates will have to engage with the public and listen to their views, given that some seats will be chosen by popular vote.

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It’s hard not to notice the extent to which the public is being increasingly shielded from the wheels of politicking. Bills have been scrutinised in Legco, although some would say not scrutinised enough, and passed at lightning speed. There hasn’t been much in the way of disagreement about how the government is conducting its business, except for the recent display of resolute opposition over proposed legislation to recognise same-sex partnerships.

Election Committee lawmaker Simon Hoey Lee has said that checks and balances are still in place thanks to frequent, healthy exchanges between legislators and the executive branch. Lee likens the new and improved process to how corporations work, “with consensus achieved before voting at the chamber meetings”.

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Clearly, that doesn’t cut it. Why else would we be hearing more from former chief executive Leung Chun-ying, who has emerged as a critic of the administration’s talent schemes in recent months?
Mainland professionals chat with recruiters at a job expo for top talent pass holders in Tsim Sha Tsui on February 28. Photo: Edmond So
Mainland professionals chat with recruiters at a job expo for top talent pass holders in Tsim Sha Tsui on February 28. Photo: Edmond So
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