Hong Kong introduces bill to expand scope for punishing lawmakers’ misconduct

Hong Kong authorities have introduced a bill to the legislature that will pave the way for establishing an expanded mechanism under which lawmakers could face suspension and pay cuts for misconduct.

The Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill was presented by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki for its first reading on Wednesday. The bill aims to expand the scope of financial penalties to cover situations in which lawmakers were suspended for violating the proposed Codes for Members.

The legislature is expected to approve the amendment by July 23 at the earliest.

“The government welcomes the Legislative Council’s efforts in strengthening its self-supervision and self-improvement with higher standards, as well as enhancing its operational transparency. [The new rules] also answer the public expectation for lawmakers,” Chan said.

He added that the bill would also give Legco the flexibility to withhold pay and allowances from suspended lawmakers for other reasons as specified in the Rules of Procedure.

Chan said that the proposed amendment, if passed, would take effect when the new Legco term commences on January 1 next year.