Motion Of Thanks For Policy Address Passed Online

The Legislative Council passed a motion of thanks for Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s policy address on Friday after three days of debate via video conferencing.

Hong Kong’s fight against Covid was a central topic of the debate, though lawmakers also offered their views and suggestions on other issues, such as the CE’s Northern Metropolis plan and a planned government restructuring.

It was the first time the full council had held its weekly meeting through video conferencing, with the arrangement made due to the city's Covid situation.

The top official at the debate, Chief Secretary John Lee, was observing home quarantine after his foreign domestic helper got infected.

Speaking before the passage of the motion, Lee said he was glad that the new Legco had actively participated in the debate.

“In the entire debate, members expressed views on the overall interest of Hong Kong. There was rational debate. They did not undermine the interest of the country or Hong Kong with distorted facts or mudslinging. They did not undermine one country, two systems,” he said.

“Their views were constructive with the overall interest of Hong Kong in mind. This goes to show that after the improvement to the electoral system and the implementation of the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong, there is a healthy interaction between the executive and the legislature. There is also the promotion of good governance.”

Lee added that controlling the epidemic is the government's top priority now and officials will take all measures necessary to ensure people's health, as well as the stability of Hong Kong.