The passage of the Internal National Security Act freed officials and legislators to focus on the city's economic development. Chief Executive Officer John Lee Kaciu rightly vowed to give “the utmost attention” to developing “a vibrant economy and caring communities.”
Infrastructure is the foundation of that goal. However, the same day, the transport authority abruptly withdrew its HK$7.16 billion major highways funding request to parliament, the night before the proposal was to be discussed in Legco's finance committee.
The reasons include the cost, which has increased significantly from HK$1.1 billion in 2006, and the need to provide more information to MPs who are questioning the lack of a completion schedule. Otherwise, MPs' approval of the proposal was problematic, given the expected number of negative votes and abstentions.
For a results-oriented government, the refusal would have been embarrassing and could have been avoided.
But more importantly, it showed that the Legislative Council cannot be considered a rubber stamp for the government.
Hong Kong authorities withdraw highway funding proposal at last minute
Hong Kong authorities withdraw highway funding proposal at last minute
There have been legitimate concerns about this since electoral reforms imposed by the Chinese government limited membership to “patriots,” and questions were raised about how authorities at the time could pass the Legco without critical scrutiny. was occurring.
The performance of parliamentarians came under scrutiny again last year after it was reported that at least two-thirds of bills were passed with less than half of all members present, falling short of the 45-member quorum requirement.
On important issues of principle, governments may expect MPs to be united in their support. However, we should not blindly support the government, oppose it solely for the sake of the government, or show any opposition.
While the lack of parliamentary support for the proposed expressway may be a setback for the government, it is in some ways a good thing for Hong Kong.
The positive sign is that lawmakers are serious about scrutinizing funding requests. The Government should not take for granted that any proposal it submits to Legco will receive unanimous support from an 'patriots-only' chamber.
Lawmakers should be encouraged to diligently scrutinize the government's performance and funding requests, especially as there is a renewed focus on economic development and livelihoods.
If the resistance to passing the highways funding request without further information is truly representative of the new Legco, it should be welcomed.
With the opposition party gone, it is important for all members to play a role in checking the government's use of power.
After all, that is what they were elected to do, and there is still room for them to question government policy.
