Govt Delays Controversial National Anthem Bill

With the controversy over extradition far from over, another contentious bill is facing delays in Legco as well.

Legco president Andrew Leung said on Wednesday the government will not resume the second reading of the proposed national anthem law until after Legco summer break.

The bill's second reading was due to take place before the summer recess.

The Legco president said there are many economic and livelihood issues that lawmakers should handle first.

Both pro-establishment and opposition lawmakers welcomed the delay.

Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Chuek-ting says in light of the extradition controversy, any other contentious legislation is bound to add fuel to the fire.

"The lesson is very simple. Don't just listen to the pro-establishment camp. You have to humbly listen to Hong Kong people's opinion," Lam said.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien also says he sees no need to rush the anthem bill through the legislature.

According to the bill, anyone found guilty of misusing or insulting March of the Volunteers face a fine of up to HK$50,000 and three years in prison.

As for the funding request for a feasibility study for the Lantau Tomorrow Vision plan, for building a 1,700-hectare cluster of artificial islands, it has now been pushed to the end of the Finance Committee's agenda.

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