Funding for CY Leung's new innovation and technology bureau put on hold again
CY accuses pan-dems of filibuster, but most speakers in Legco debate were pro-establishment
The government's planned innovation and technology bureau is officially on hold until at least October, after Legislative Council discussions were adjourned for the summer break.
The bureau plan, which is facing its third big delay since first being put forward by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying after his election in 2012, was the last item on the agenda for Legco's Finance Committee. But a final four-hour session yesterday did not reach a vote on the government's funding request.
Leung put the blame squarely on pan-democrats, accusing them of filibustering and turning a blind eye to "the government's sincerity" on the issue. However records of yesterday's debate show that 26 of the 33 lawmakers who spoke were from the pro-establishment camp.
Some spoke more than once, leaving radical pan-democrats, who see the bureau as poorly planned waste of money, with little need to play for time.
The government wanted lawmakers to approve HK$25 million in start-up funding for the bureau, and cover staff costs of HK$35 million.
Most of the pro-establishment lawmakers used their speeches to condemn Charles Mok, the pan-democrat who represents the information technology sector. Mok, who has been supportive of the bureau, had said Leung was the reason the idea was so unpopular.
"People's impression about a bureau has changed from support to scepticism as Leung Chun-ying's administration worsens," Mok said.