Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and principal officials hold a press conference on the reform of district councils at the Hong Kong Central Government Office on May 2, 2023. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Various sectors and prominent figures in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have endorsed the plan to reform the city’s district councils, saying it has prioritized national security and will lay a stronger foundation for the SAR’s future stability and prosperity.
The overhaul, announced on Tuesday, is aimed at bolstering district administration and safeguarding national security by implementing a detailed framework for forming district councils.
The changes call for district council members to be appointed by the HKSAR government, or chosen via direct and indirect elections, with ex-officio members. All councilors will be vetted by an eligibility committee to ensure they’re capable of carrying out their responsibilities.
The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong expressed confidence that the new district councils will serve as an effective bridge between the government and residents, while providing institutional safeguards for the city to advance towards prosperity
The New People’s Party said the reforms will ensure varied representation and uniqueness among council members, with balanced participation.
The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong expressed confidence that the new district councils will serve as an effective bridge between the government and residents, while providing institutional safeguards for the city to advance towards prosperity.
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries reaffirmed that the changes will successfully address the previous system’s shortcomings, and promote the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, thereby strengthening district governance.
Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu, chairman of the federation, emphasized that safeguarding national security is essential for the SAR in concentrating fully on economic development and improving people’s livelihood.
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The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce is equally supportive of the reforms, saying it hopes the reorganization plan can be promptly implemented. The chamber believes the overhaul will enable district councils to meet residents’ expectations and create a stable and prosperous foundation for Hong Kong’s social, economic and business growth.
Pedestrians walk in Central, Hong Kong, on Feb 28, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress – the nation’s top legislature – declared their backing for the plan in a joint statement on Tuesday. They urged all sectors of the community to unite in supporting the government’s efforts to beef up district governance.
Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress – the nation’s top legislature – declared their backing for the plan in a joint statement on Tuesday. They urged all sectors of the community to unite in supporting the government’s efforts to beef up district governance
Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – the nation’s top political advisory body – also expressed full support for the reforms. They pledged to offer professional advice to the SAR government, reflect public views more comprehensively and accurately, and serve for the benefit of Hong Kong people.
Tam Yiu-chung, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said reforming the district councils marks the final step in improving Hong Kong’s political system. The government can then shift its focus to economic development and take the city to the next level, he said.
Tam stressed that district councils represent the community and can gather public opinions. If local elites and professionals become members, their views can be as valid as those of elected officials.
As the reforms require legislative amendments and reallocation of districts, the SAR government and the Legislative Council must communicate the changes effectively to residents, and ensure that relevant work is carried out promptly to allow for smooth district council elections to be held at the end of the year.
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Ivan Chu Siu-lun, a member of the Chinese Association for Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said that under to the existing executive-led management model, a district council led by executive departments is the most efficient way to manage it.
Such an approach can effectively meet the needs of the community and enable the government to offer district services more effectively, he said.