Debate on a controversial electoral bill in the Legislative Council had to be suspended yesterday when lawmakers' attendance fell below the minimum level required.
The suspension came after 10 pro-government lawmakers surprisingly failed to turn up while pan-democrats boycotted the debate in support of a filibuster mounted in an effort to have the measure withdrawn.
It was the first time since the handover that a debate had been suspended during scrutiny of a government bill, although it had happened six times before during discussion of lawmakers' motions.
Legislative Council president Tsang Yok-sing urged the government to consider the priority of its remaining bills as the schedule for the remainder of the council's term was packed and it would be difficult to squeeze time for extra meetings.
'The current term has to end on July 18 because of September's election,' Tsang said. 'The government should consider which bills are more urgent and should be tabled first and which should be withdrawn.'
Ironically, the last suspension was in 2010 when pro-government lawmakers staged a walk-out while five pan-democrats who were quitting to force by-elections were about to deliver their resignation speeches.