Pro-govt Camp Could Be New Opposition: Andrew Leung

Legco President Andrew Leung on Wednesday dismissed concerns that the legislature will turn into a "rubber stamp" due to the resignation of the entire pan-democratic camp over the disqualification of four of their colleagues.

"Do you think the pro-government camp is one party? They have a lot more different voices. I might fear that without the pan-dems we might have more opposition from the pro-government camp than anyone," he said.

Leung added that each legislator should do their best for their voters to monitor the government, no matter how different their tactics are.

Earlier in the day, Chief Executive Carrie Lam had said she was "excited" about the prospect of bills passing more quickly in Legco when there is no opposition.

Asked if he is also excited by this, Leung said he is happy when the legislature operates smoothly and lawmakers discharge their duties in accordance with the Basic Law.

The president also said he "respects and understands" Beijing’s resolution on the disqualification of lawmakers.

Leung added that Legco will not rush to recover the salaries and expenses paid to the four ousted lawmakers; Alvin Yeung, Kwok Ka-ki, Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung. Their disqualifications have been backdated to July 30.