Pan-dems Warn Of Chaos In Legco Over Rail Debate

Pan-democratic lawmakers on Wednesday warned that they will launch protests inside the chamber if Legco president Andrew Leung insists on wrapping up debate on the express rail's Kowloon terminus without letting more lawmakers speak.

Debate on the bill to set up a joint border checkpoint at the station was set to resume later on Wednesday.

Eleven lawmakers missed the chance to express their views at last week's meeting when Leung ruled that the debate had reached the time limit he had set.

The pan-dems' convenor, Charles Mok, warned that Leung will be to blame if there is chaos in the chamber later in the day.

"We will not give up the right of the legislators who haven't had the chance to speak at the second reading stage," he said.

Mok said Leung on Tuesday night had sent them a note saying that he would end the second reading debate on Wednesday, and the opposition was determined to oppose this.

Mok also accused the president of wasting time allotted for the debate, leading to lawmakers missing the chance to speak.

Last week the opposition raised quorum calls and adjournment motions during the debate and the pro-government side had accused them of wasting time.

The opposition is against the bill, which will allow mainland officers to work at the station, saying this will breach the Basic Law.