Legislative Council president Tsang Yok-sing moved to end a filibuster to make way for a discussion of the chief executive-elect's proposed government restructure. But it's still uncertain whether the proposal can be heard and approved before Leung Chun-ying takes office on July 1 because the pan-democrats, reluctant to be seen as rubber stamps, will not endorse the plan amid rising public pressure.
In the meantime, public debate is raging over the candidates for Leung's expanded team of two top secretaries and their deputies, and 14 bureau secretaries.
Some of the fiercest debate is over Leung's selection as culture bureau chief. It's been reported that the current favourite is home affairs undersecretary Florence Hui Hiu-fai, whose father is alleged to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party.
Leung's initial choice was believed to be former Arts Development Council chairman Ma Fung-kwok. Then it was arts advocate Ada Wong Ying-kay, a close friend of Leung's, who also helped shape his cultural policy during election campaigning.
However, Wong's alleged close links with the pan-democrats are said to have raised suspicion among Beijing loyalists and at the central government's liaison office. As a result, Hui is now believed to be the front runner.
But, as soon as she was tipped as the choice, she became the target for criticism. Critics pointed to her alleged communist background while cultural activists said she is not qualified because of her lack of knowledge about arts and culture.
I don't believe Leung would be unable to implement his policies if he couldn't enlarge his governance team. I think he is too eager to push things through, and that has prompted a lot of resistance from the pan-democrats.