'Space Cleared' Ahead Of Crucial Legco Meeting

Legco staff were busy on Friday morning removing chairs and other objects from the corridor leading to a meeting room ahead of what was expected to be a tense House Committee session in the afternoon.

Workers said they were taking away various items to “make more space”.

But the move came after both camps in Legco raised concerns there could be violence at the meeting, with rival claims over who will lead the proceedings and what is on the agenda.

Chairs normally found in the corridor were removed ahead of the 2.30pm session and stools placed there instead.

Security staff also asked media camera operators who had assembled there not to leave their equipment lying around.

A water cooler was also removed from the area ahead of the meeting which is expected to generate some heat as the pro-government side and the opposition grapple for control of the committee.

Both sides have pointed to external legal advice to back up their claims as to who is allowed to preside over future House Committee meetings.

The DAB's Starry Lee, as last year's chairwoman, has called Friday afternoon's meeting. She says she will lead it and they will discuss the rival legal advice.

But the Civic Party's Dennis Kwok says he will preside over the meeting and they will discuss the election of a chairperson.

Tight security was visible around the complex with a lot of police officers in the area.