LegCo - All Change!

"If Hong Kong aims to cultivate political talent, then fresh blood is essential."

It's election season in Hong Kong. Elections? Yes, Hong Kong holds elections for the Legislative Council and district councils. On 7 December, we will vote to elect 90 LegCo members. 

Among serving lawmakers, 35 have decided to step down and not stand for re-election. Some commentators have called this an exodus, suggesting that councillors are either being encouraged to step down or are dissatisfied with the system.

Although the turnover of LegCo members is marginally higher than usual, it is important to note that 12 of these 22 are over 70 years old and have served lengthy terms. It’s time for them to step aside. This change could bring new perspectives and approaches to governance, offering a hopeful outlook for our city's future. 

After all, if Hong Kong aims to cultivate political talent, then fresh blood is essential.

These days, LegCo sessions receive less media attention, a welcome change now that the disruptive radicals and their antics are history. The era of shouting, throwing objects, physical skirmishes, and other attention-seeking behaviours in the chamber has ended, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. 

A LegCo member snatching a female official's phone, fleeing to hide in the male toilets, and flicking through her messages was not the worst behaviour. 

That qualification should be reserved for the two young legislators who chose to insult the entire nation by invoking the Japanese name for occupied China when they were sworn in. These immature, foolish, and crass remarks earned them justifiable widespread condemnation. They knew their words poked a raw nerve. 

Even former Governor Chris Patten came out to criticise the pair, asserting their antics “… make a mockery of a serious political argument.”

Later, the duo abandoned their taxpayer-funded offices, leaving behind crates of half-consumed alcohol and new, expensive game consoles, demonstrating that their priorities were never to serve as diligent representatives of the people. 

On 15 November 2016, the court disqualified the two legislators for failing to take their oaths "faithfully and truthfully." They attempted to force their way into the LegCo chamber, injuring security staff in the process. Both were convicted and served brief prison sentences. Subsequently, one fled to the U.S., and the other disappeared from public life. 

"With the highest life expectancy on the planet, we can take pride in the safety and quality of life our city offers. Despite the critics, it is clear that Hong Kong is doing many things right." 

It is also possible to draw a direct connection between the violence witnessed in the LegCo chamber and the rioting on the streets in 2019. The destruction caused by the Antifa-types, who stormed through our city and even the LegCo building, was tacitly encouraged by the radicals within LegCo. In doing so, they invited their own downfall. 

For this election everybody is closely observing the turnout. The turnout rate in 2021 was just over 30%, following events in 2019 and Covid. In 2016, the rate was about 58%. 

The Hong Kong elections may not pass the litmus test with Western politicians. You know, the ones who question the legitimacy of LegCo, while they take an oath of office to an unelected King, his heirs, and successors, including some chap called Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Yep, the former pedi-adjacent prince still remains in the line of succession. 

Similarly, the ones who sit in an unelected House of Lords packed with Bishops and other appointees. Then there is the fact that seats in the House of Lords can be purchased for the correct sum to the right party. Transparency International UK research found 68 nominations from political parties between 2013 and 2023 were political donors – handing over £58 million to various parties.

Meanwhile, across the pond in the U.S., wealthy financiers fund presidential campaigns to install their preferred candidate. That's to say nothing of voter suppression. 

Anyway, the government here is already actively encouraging citizens to vote, as a low turnout will inevitably cast doubt on LegCo's legitimacy. 

Singapore has a voter turnout of about 96% in parliamentary elections. However, voting is mandatory. In fact, 22 nations worldwide require their citizens to vote. Those that do not have turnout rates ranging from around 98% (Laos) to 11% (Tunisia). 

To gain public support, political parties must clearly articulate their positions on holding officials accountable while avoiding the reckless behaviour seen previously. Various construction project scandals, along with the recent debacle over the procurement of bottled water, highlight key issues to watch.

And on that note, I have yet to see any candidates in my area provide English versions of their campaign literature. Not even a link to a website where I can read and familiarise myself with their platforms. Considering that English remains one of the three official languages of Hong Kong and our politicians promote the city's international status, I would expect better.

Meanwhile, worldwide, the public is becoming increasingly distrustful of politicians, a trend most evident in Western democracies, where radical parties are on the rise. The inability to secure national borders against illegal immigration, combat Islamic extremism, terrorist activities, and address rising inequality are some of the contributing factors. 

Hong Kong is fortunate that illegal immigration and terrorism do not tarnish our society. The streets are safe, and we benefit from excellent infrastructure, including the world's best public transport system. With the highest life expectancy on the planet, we can take pride in the safety and quality of life our city offers. Despite the critics, it is clear that Hong Kong is doing many things right. 

Nonetheless, housing remains a challenge, with cage homes revealing deep inequality. While the government aims to improve these Dickensian quarters, ongoing effort is necessary to maintain progress. 

And that's the key: the public desires to see consistent, incremental changes rather than radical, disruptive policies. So, get out and vote.