'Envious' Pan-dems Lash Out At CE Over Exclusion

Pan-democratic legislators accused Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Friday of intentionally sowing division, by leaving them out of the loop in meeting only with pro-establishment councillors to discuss a new subsidy for elderly welfare recipients.

They also took issue with Lam for accusing them of being ‘envious’ when she was asked at a press conference why they were excluded from Thursday’s meeting.

Civic Party legislator Kwok Ka-ki said Lam was taking the lead in destroying the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government, and demanded an explanation as to why she chose to consult only government-friendly lawmakers.

Democratic Party lawmaker James To said the Chief Executive should lobby for support from all legislators on matters of great importance, while his colleague Lam Cheuk-ting said Lam has a duty to listen to all public views.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum had vociferously opposed the government’s decision to raise the minimum age of those eligible for elderly welfare payments from 60 to 65 starting February 1. The administration had argued that the change is needed to reflect Hong Kong’s changing demographics, and people’s desire to work longer, but legislators said the change would have a great effect on people between 60 and 64, as many are unable to find work.

Lam on Friday announced a special HK$1,060 subsidy for dole recipients in this age group, to make up for the difference – after consulting pro-government lawmakers during a Thursday meeting at which the pan-democrats were excluded.

Lam told reporters that the Chief Executive must have the liberty to meet any lawmaker or group she wants to, saying otherwise, “I don’t think I can discharge my function as Chief Executive.” Lam went on to say “I’m not sure if they are envious or upset… If members across the political spectrum would like to see me, I’ll find the time to do so.”