Legco Worked Better Without Opposition: Andrew Leung

Legco president Andrew Leung said on Thursday that the legislature has functioned much more efficiently since an exodus of opposition lawmakers, as he dismissed suggestions that a sharp rise in bills passed indicates the council is now nothing more than a rubber stamp.

Reporting on Legco's work over the past year, Leung noted that lawmakers had passed 46 government bills, more than double the number from the year before.

Legislators had a total of 49 meetings, compared to 30 the previous year, he said, but the number of meeting hours dropped from 406 to 342.

Leung said the legislature was able to work more efficiently after the national security law and mass resignation of opposition lawmakers put an end to chaos and filibustering.

"It becomes more efficient because of time spent in delaying, blocking the bills was not there at all. That's why we can scrutinise double the amount," he said.

"With the national security law being in force, the government can focus more on the livelihood and economic issues... Filibustering in Legco is not there anymore, therefore they can introduce more bills."

Leung said he believes some young professionals will join Legco in the next term, after Beijing revamped the SAR's electoral system and expanded the legislature from 70 to 90 seats.

"When all members work with Hong Kong citizens in mind without any highly political motives, things will be better next year," he said.