Deputy Secretary of Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan (right) seeks a resident's signature in support of the proposal for improving district administration and building a better community near Kwai Chung Plaza in the New Territories on May 11, 2023. The street stand activity was organized by the Federation of Trade Unions. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
A coalition aiming at promoting the government’s district council reform collected over 1.19 million signatures from Hong Kong residents in support of the overhaul, the group announced on Sunday.
Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s announcement of its proposal for improving regional governance, Hong Kong’s leading political parties and social groups set up the coalition on May 5 to help the public better understand the reform plan.
The coalition’s convener, Starry Lee Wai-king, who is also a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that the high number of signatures collected reflects the strength of local residents’ demands to reform the district councils
The coalition earlier launched a signature campaign on online platforms and at street stations in 18 districts to gain support from the public. In the past 10 days, the coalition has set up 4,921 street stations, with the help of more than 23,000 volunteers, according to Sunday’s press announcement.
READ MORE: HK community supports reform of district councils
The coalition’s convener, Starry Lee Wai-king, who is also a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that the high number of signatures collected reflects the strength of local residents’ demands to reform the district councils. It also showed that the government's proposal was widely recognized by residents and in line with the public's expectations.
According to Lee, the coalition will continue to set up street stands, and to publicize the benefits of the government proposal to the public. She called on residents who are in favor of the reform to actively sign up with the campaign and express their support.
ALSO READ: District council reform a crucial step to optimize HK’s governing structure
So Cheung-wing, a member of the Legislative Council who appeared at the press conference to show support, said that improving regional governance is in line with the needs of Hong Kong's safe development and the interests of all Hong Kong people.
Contact the writer at mikegu@chinadaily.com