New Hong Kong lawmakers ask fewer questions but attend more often

Hong Kong’s first-time lawmakers have raised fewer questions than their veteran counterparts but recorded a higher attendance rate, a South China Morning Post check has found. Alan Chan Chung-yee, chief operating officer of Miramar Group, and athlete-turned-legislator Vivian Kong Man-wai were among those who submitted the fewest questions to the government.

The eighth Legislative Council, which began its term in January, held its final general meeting last week before its summer recess. Lawmakers are currently in Beijing for an unprecedented week-long study trip. Latest Legco figures show lawmakers have submitted 418 questions to the administration since January, with 40 newcomers averaging four questions each and 50 returning lawmakers averaging five.

Among the six lawmakers who raised two or fewer questions over the past seven months, five were first-time legislators. Chan submitted just one question—the lowest overall—on the hotel industry’s reception capacity. Political observers attributed the trend to newcomers seeking to balance respect for the executive-led system with their role in providing checks and balances.

Article and image source: scmp.com