As Hong Kong's lawmakers return from recess, cooperation with executive branch is vital to good governance

If governance in Hong Kong has become more difficult, the Legislative Council has to bear some responsibility.

With some lawmakers indulging in filibustering and unruly behaviour, the legislature no longer operates as efficiently as it used to. Meanwhile, tension between rival camps remains high, leaving little room for cooperation and compromise.

As Legco resumes today after the summer break, it is imperative for all parties to put aside their differences and work closely together for the good of Hong Kong.

Unfortunately, there are signs of more friction ahead. In a departure from tradition, the pro-establishment camp scooped most of the key panel positions, after failing to compromise with the pan-democrats on who should fill the posts.

READ MORE: Legco chair monopoly: Hong Kong's pro-establishment camp snaps up key posts on Legislative Council committees

The pan-democrats, who feel they are being marginalised, have warned that the antagonistic relationship between the executive and the legislature will worsen.

That Legco has entered the final year of its current term has given further cause for concern. If previous experience is any guide, members are likely to be weighed down by a backlog of bills and funding proposals this year.