Incoming lawmakers should prioritise helping the Hong Kong government advance policy reforms and strengthen integration with national development, the outgoing Legislative Council president has said as he prepares to step down.
Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen also said on Saturday that the new lawmakers would need to assist the government in devising a prudent and pragmatic budget, set to be unveiled in February, and tackling the aftermath of the Tai Po fire that broke out on November 26 and claimed at least 161 lives.
According to Leung, China’s 15th five-year plan, which outlines the nation’s development blueprint for 2026 to 2030, will serve as an “examination” set by Beijing for Hong Kong and a “golden opportunity” for the city to reach new heights of development.
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“As an important part of Hong Kong’s governance, Legco is responsible for helping the government accurately grasp the development direction, and offering advice and suggestions to respond effectively to these examination questions,” Leung told a radio programme.
“I am confident that the new lawmakers can draw on their professional expertise, valuable experience, networks and resources, as well as their understanding of the public, industries and Hong Kong … to fully support the government in driving reform and innovation.”
During his meeting with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Hong Kong to proactively align with the 15th five-year plan, optimise its executive-led system, pursue high-quality economic development, deepen participation in the Greater Bay Area initiative, and further integrate into national development.
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