Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor meets the press at the Central Government Offices, Hong Kong, on May 4, 2021. (PHOTO / CALVIN NG)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Thursday hailed the passage of the city’s electoral reform bill as a landmark occasion for ensuring "patriots administering Hong Kong".
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Lam said the Legislative Council’s approval of the bill will usher in a new era for Hong Kong's political system that will ensure the full and accurate implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the Legislative Council’s approval of the bill will usher in a new era for Hong Kong's political system that will ensure the full and accurate implementation of “one country, two systems"
Lam said the bill's passage is both timely and necessary as anti-China forces had created chaos in the Legislative Council, paralyzed the operation of the HKSAR government, and even colluded with external forces to undermine Hong Kong's safety and interests.
“No country or government could turn a blind eye to such dangers,” Lam was quoted as saying in the statement.
"It is natural and in line with international norm to require people vested with governing powers to be patriotic,” she added.
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Lam said whoever meets the requirements and criteria of being a patriot, irrespective of their political stance, can participate in elections and be elected in accordance with the law to serve the HKSAR.
She also said that the electoral reform bill and the National Security Law showed the central government's unwavering determination in upholding “one country, two systems” and “will go a long way towards ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong."
"This would not have been possible without the guidance of the central government, the full co-operation of the LegCo, the support expressed by members of the community and the hard work of my colleagues, especially those in the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Department of Justice,” Lam said.
She said the bill will be published in the Gazette and come into effect on May 31 and government will then press ahead with the preparations for the three coming elections: the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections on September 19, 2021; the LegCo General Elections to be held on December 19, 2021; and the Chief Executive Election on March 27, 2022.
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A special voter registration arrangement will be conducted from June 1 to July 5 and the Chief Executive will appoint the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee, before making a report to the central government.
As the LegCo membership will be expanded from 70 to 90 in the next term, the government will fully support the LegCo in the provision of accommodation and staffing resources, according to the statement.
The LegCo has already accepted the plan to expand the LegCo Complex. Funding approval will be sought so that construction can proceed as soon as possible, it added.
Leung Kwan-yuen, president of the Legislative Council, speaks to media at the Legislative Council, Hong Kong, May 27, 2021. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Meanwhile, LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said the bill signifies the solid implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong.”
Talking with the media after the measure’s passage, Leung said the revamped electoral system will allow more and different voices in LegCo to reflect the overall interest of Hong Kong, as well as helping LegCo better perform its constitutional duty.