Editorial | New Legco tasked with pushing for better governance of city, deepening reform
Lawmakers must work with the chief executive to advance post-fire recovery, improve livelihoods and encourage Hong Kong to play its unique role in national development
The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the successful convening of the polls and the high turnout were a milestone achievement that further consolidated and developed high-quality democracy conforming to “one country, two systems”, the Basic Law and the city’s realities. It said it hoped that the new lawmakers would fully and accurately implement one country, two systems, safeguard the executive-led system and press ahead with in-depth reforms and post-fire relief work. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the election showed voter support for “the government’s commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy and for electing capable and committed Legco members to drive institutional reform”.
The real challenge has just begun. The new Legco should position itself correctly under the executive-led system, take the public pulse, respond to people’s needs, and monitor and scrutinise the government’s work and policy initiatives effectively to become a constructive partner in improving governance. The new lawmakers should also use their professionalism and new thinking to take forward the post-fire recovery efforts, improve livelihoods and, in the longer term, grasp the opportunities offered by the country’s development. With a healthy executive-legislature relationship, the 90 lawmakers are tasked with working with the government to make Hong Kong a better home for all, and push the city to play its unique role in the nation’s next five-year development plan and beyond.