Hong Kong has now elected members to the new Legislative Council. Despite the temporary suspension of campaigning work and candidate debates after the Tai Po fire broke out, the polls were held as planned to avert a constitutional crisis. It was a tough decision to make. The official mourning period may have ended on December 1, but hearts remain heavy.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasised the need to “move forward” when it came to holding the election on schedule. He argued that he needs his “partners” in the legislature the most on the city’s path to reconstruction after the devastation of the Tai Po fire, for support and follow-up work and so that reform continues apace.
That is true: our first lessons must include any systemic failures within and across government departments that could have played a role in the tragedy.
It means our newly elected lawmakers need to hit the ground running. That will be challenging, given the retirement wave: an unprecedented 35 members, close to 40 per cent of Legco, including some of this city’s most experienced lawmakers, have stepped down, making room for fresh blood.
As for the many new lawmakers, on top of getting themselves set up, including staffing and moving into their offices, they will need to get acquainted with public office and learn the ropes of lawmaking – fast.
Aspirations are great, but now the need for them to be realised is urgent. There will be no honeymoon period for the new lawmakers and no time to celebrate and take a break after electioneering.
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