I'm glad to hear the government plans to scrap by-elections and fill mid-term vacancies in the Legislative Council by installing the next best-placed candidate. This should prevent unnecessary resignations by lawmakers.
Last year, five lawmakers resigned to trigger by-elections to strive for political reform. They attracted a lot of public attention, and all five were voted back into Legco.
Were their actions necessary? I think they were a waste of time and money, given the outcome. The new system means lawmakers can focus on serving citizens actively, instead of 'making a point'.
The plan is, of course, not perfect. For example, I don't think the seat of a lawmaker who dies should be taken by anyone else without an election. A party shouldn't lose out because a member passed away. Their seat is worthy of a by-election.
The plan is not yet perfect, but we should be grateful that the government has worked on a meaningful and effective measure.
Jasun Lam Cheuk-hin, Po Leung Kuk Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College