Editorial | Judy Chan careless driving case a reminder of high expectations for lawmakers
It makes a mockery of the rule of law if those who write Hong Kong’s legislation do not follow the law themselves
So far, the case is being handled in accordance with the law and procedures, and rightly so. As soon as footage of her black Tesla car heading the wrong way on Jaffe Road came to light on January 23, the New People’s Party lawmaker admitted she was behind the wheel and apologised for her actions.
She said she was trying to attend a meeting and intended to park in a visitor space in the area, but three fire engines were parked along the road at the time, prompting her to drive briefly against the traffic. The incident was swiftly followed up by the police, while Chan later also turned herself in to assist the investigation.
The court penalty of HK$2,000 (US$256) and one-month driving disqualification – compared with a maximum HK$5,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment – might seem moderate, but the magistrate rightly noted that the case was serious and Chan’s actions were not undertaken on a whim.
It makes a mockery of the rule of law if those entrusted to create legislation do not follow the law. Whether a verbal warning by Legco president Starry Lee Wai-king regarding the incident can put an end to the affair remains to be seen. As it is not a formal penalty under the new code of conduct for lawmakers, the legislature’s supervisory committee is expected to follow up on the matter. The case is a timely reminder of the high expectations for lawmakers and the revamped legislature.