Northern Metropolis special laws won’t dodge Legco scrutiny: Hong Kong’s John Lee

The special set of laws designed for a Hong Kong mega development near the border will not dodge scrutiny by the legislature, the city’s leader has said, defending his plan and reassuring the public that lawmakers will effectively supervise the project.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Thursday that the government had prioritised the launching of construction projects over handing out consumption vouchers amid a tightened budget and called on residents to remain confident in the economy.

His remarks were made a day after he delivered his annual policy address, in which he announced that special laws would be designed to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis near the border with mainland China.

As part of Lee’s policy initiatives, designated companies or statutory bodies will be established to manage different industrial estates within the project, with the government proposing to create dedicated funding channels for such entities without requiring Legislative Council approval under the new special laws.

Asked during a radio programme if such measures would lead to a conflict of interest and how effective supervision could be guaranteed, Lee said the legislature would still play a role in the development process.

“The special laws will still be made by the Legislative Council. In my mind, the special laws are not meant to dodge scrutiny from the council, but rather to simplify this process,” he said.