Disruption must not spread to Legco

To the relief of many in Hong Kong, the tension arising from the pro-democracy demonstrations has eased somewhat over the past few days. But worryingly, another battle is looming. In what appears to be the prelude of a full-scale war with the Leung Chun-ying administration, pan-democrat lawmakers have signed up en bloc to sit in two crucial committees with funding approval powers. Some also vowed to block whatever is tabled to the legislature, raising fears that governance would be effectively paralysed.

That the confrontation is spreading to the legislature is not unexpected. Unlike previous street protests, the ongoing ones are apparently not led by pan-democrat lawmakers. Now that the uproar appears to be waning after more than a week, the pan-democrats may think it's time they took over the stage. A so-called Occupy Legco is set to become the next step of the civil disobedience movement.

There are also growing worries that protesters may make Legco the new target and try to besiege the complex when officials and pro-government lawmakers attend meetings. This prompted Legco to postpone the start of the new session until next week, pending better security arrangements. It will be up to the chief executive to assess whether to go on with his question time with lawmakers as planned on Thursday.

The pan-democrats are not known for being friendly to the government. They do not feel obligated to back policies and funding proposals tabled by officials. Relations were strained further after Leung took power, with a handful of rebels seeking to block funding and legislation by dragging the rules of procedures. Some projects and payments due for approval before the summer recess have already been delayed as a result. If the tactics are escalated into a concerted civil disobedience campaign with full backing from the pan-democratic camp, the disruptions to governance and people's livelihoods would be no less severe than those caused by street protests.

It is in the city's interest for the government and Legco to get back to normal business as soon as possible. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have a duty to work towards the public good. While grievances are expected to prevail for some time, governance will become impossible if the pan-democrats push ahead with the so-called non-cooperation campaign. The city cannot afford to stand still. As the government machinery switches back to normal operation, so should the legislature.