Overhaul Will Cut Back The Politics In Legco: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday expressed her administration's "sincere gratitude" to the National People's Congress for approving Beijing's plan for a drastic overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system, saying the changes will fix the problem of too much politics in Legco.

In a statement, Lam again insisted that the design of the territory's political structure is the prerogative of the central government and that the "improvements" planned are aimed at getting Hong Kong back on the right track.

She said after the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" is implemented and the "loopholes" of the existing electoral system are plugged, the government will be able to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods – with the staunch support of Beijing.

"We will be able to resolve the problem of the Legco making everything political in recent years and effectively deal with the reckless moves or internal rift that have torn Hong Kong apart," the Hong Kong leader said.

Lam said the government will give its views to the NPC Standing Committee on the future composition of the five sectors of the Election Committee – that will not only be tasked with selecting the SAR's chief executive, but will also nominate Legco candidates and even choose "a relatively large share" of lawmakers itself.

The CE said once the standing committee amends Annex I and Annex II of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong government will then change local laws.

"The HKSAR government will spare no effort in continuing to explain to the public about the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system as well as the solid constitutional basis of the decision," Lam added.