Legislative Council (LegCo) President Andrew Leung has said he will not run for another term in the “patriots only” election in December.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Leung said the chamber had overcome challenges during his nine years of service and explained why he wouldn’t seek re-election.
“Frankly, I have discussed it with my family and taken into consideration my age – which is over 70 – and I’ve decided not to run for the eighth-term LegCo,” he said.
“We led LegCo to assist the central and SAR governments to overcome the attacks from the opposition on the governance of the SAR and LegCo’s operations… We have comprehensively amended LegCo’s rules of procedure to eliminate things like filibustering, behaviour that’s anti-China and causes disruption to Hong Kong,” he added.
Leung praised lawmakers for not only halting “struggles and internal conflicts” within LegCo but also passing 130 pieces of legislation during the current term, pending the approval of the ride-hailing bill. The figure is 60 per cent up from the previous term.
Last week, the LegCo president said that the final weeks of the term would be carefully scheduled to clear remaining bills concerning public livelihoods.
Leung was elected during a chaotic session at the legislature in 2016, as opposition lawmakers walked out.
In 2018, he said that his role as the chamber’s leader was “lonely,” amid a row over protests made by pro-democracy lawmakers.
“As my predecessor has said, LegCo president is a lonely job. Sometimes I have no friends… Lonely I might be, but the decision I have made is impartial, and for the interests of the Legislative Council,” he said at that time.
On Monday, Leung said it was an honour to serve his industrial sector over the last 21 years, and that he would be spending time with his family travelling.
‘Patriots only’ chamber
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.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong government’s proposed bill to give limited recognition to same-sex partnerships failed to pass, with just 14 out of 86 lawmakers voting in favour.
It was the first time a bill was voted down since the legislative revamp, though Leung has previously denied that the chamber is a “rubber stamp” parliament.
The nomination period for December’s restricted election begins on October 24.
