Pro-govt Lawmaker Seeks Debate On Way Forward

Lawmakers have started debating an adjournment motion moved by a pro-government lawmaker who wants the Legco to discuss how Hong Kong could move forward under the current, tense social atmosphere stemming from the extradition bill controversy.

The motion was moved by Christopher Cheung, who represents the financial services sector.

He rejected suggestions that he had moved the motion so that Legco won’t have to discuss another controversial law amendment – which will hand over a small part of the Central promenade to the People's Liberation Army .

Cheung told reporters that he is just worried the tense atmosphere may affect the markets, as transactions have shrunk.

The lawmaker insists that Legco proceedings should pause to debate about ways on how the government can resume its effectiveness.

Legco president Andrew Leung agrees that lawmakers should spend time to debate about whether the proceedings should be adjourned until next week:

“The subject matter is obviously of public interest. Information from different channels shows that there will be major demonstrations and assemblies in the next few days, including an expected large-scale march on July 1,” Leung said. “I believe the motion is of urgent public importance and it must be debated at today’s meeting.”

If the council meeting was to be adjourned eventually, lawmakers will not be able to discuss amendments to scarp or delay the government's plan to handover a stretch of Central harbourfront to the People's Liberation Army.

It will also mean lawmakers will not discuss a motion to summon Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng and a motion of no confidence on the government.

Pan-democratic lawmakers say the adjournment debate is uncalled for.

Civic Party legislator Dennis Kwok said if Legco is unable to discuss the harbourfront plan or the two motions, it will only make people more upset and take to the streets.