New Walkout Guidelines Rile District Councillors

A new row has erupted between the government and district councils – now dominated by pro-democracy politicians – over a new circular listing out scenarios in which officials can walk out of meetings.

In an internal circular from Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung this week, officials are told that they "should" leave when councillors chant slogans or sing songs that are seen to be in violation of the national security law, the Basic Law or the One Country, Two Systems principle.

When councillors use offensive and insulting language, the circular says officials can ask the councils' chair to intervene. They "may" walk out if the chair doesn't address their concern so as "to uphold the dignity of the government". And if the situation continues, the officials can report to department or bureau chiefs, and the chief secretary will decide if officials should continue attending council meetings in future.

Officials can also skip meetings if the councils take up matters that are beyond their powers.

Tempers flared in a number of council meetings in recent months, including those attended by the police chief, Chris Tang. Officials have walked out of some of those meetings.

Pro-democracy district councillors on Friday accused the government of undermining their work.

The chairman of the Southern District Council, Lo Kin-hei from the Democratic Party, says the circular shows the government is "blatantly uncooperative" with district councils.

"This really hurts the well-being of the council and people in the [community]. They [intentionally] try to let Hong Kong people, or the people who voted for us, get disappointed with district councils," he said.

Central and Western district councillor Napo Wong says he's concerned the updated guidelines could mean officials will be even more antagonistic towards councillors.

He says it's not uncommon for them to be engaged in heated debates, but now the circular makes it easier for officials to walk out if they found the language to be offensive.

Pro-government politician Frankie Ngan, a member of the Kwun Tong District Council, believes the circular allows officials attending different council meetings to act in a standard way.

The DAB member said it's unfair for councillors to hurl insults at officials, and walking out could be their recourse.