Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) has proposed a new code of conduct to ensure that lawmakers “perform their duties in a constructive manner” and do “not intentionally vilify the governance credibility” of the chief executive and the government.
According to the proposed code submitted on Wednesday, lawmakers should not only “sincerely support” the chief executive and the government in administering Hong Kong but also should not “deliberately undermine or weaken the effectiveness of executive-led governance.”
It also stipulates that legislators should attend meetings, participate in voting, maintain engagement with the public, and submit an annual work report.
The proposed code lays down a five-tier sanctions system for violations, ranging from a written warning to suspension of duty and deduction of lawmakers’ remuneration and allowances.
To implement the code, the LegCo also proposes expanding the functions of the Committee on Members’ Interests and renaming it the “Legislative Council Supervisory Committee.” The revamped committee will have the power to investigate complaints against legislators and impose sanctions.
Andrew Leung, president of the LegCo, told reporters on Thursday that the new code of conduct would not restrict legislators from speaking up. However, he reminded lawmakers to act carefully and “not cross the red line.”
Leung said the proposed code would be discussed in the House Committee on Friday and that he hoped it would take effect at the start of the new legislative term.
Last month, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reported that lawmakers had been warned not to discuss four “sensitive” issues, including delivery workers’ rights, the dispute between the taxi industry and ride-hailing platforms, unknown black particles found in drinking water at two public residential estates in Fanling, and the reopening of a nightclub in Tsim Sha Tsui.
In January last year, Chief Executive John Lee hit back at pro-establishment lawmaker Paul Tse, who criticised the “high-pressure and high-profile” law enforcement actions in the city.
Lee called Tse’s wording “dangerous” and said it reminded him of the language used by the opposition during the 2019 protests and unrest, as well as “soft resistance.”
In March 2021, Beijing passed legislation to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong. The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates. Authorities say the overhaul ensures the city’s stability and prosperity. But the changes also prompted international condemnation, as much of the traditional opposition remains behind bars, in self-exile or has quit politics.
