Beijing ‘would not hesitate’ to interpret Basic Law if Hong Kong hurt by Legco filibustering: leading adviser
Think tank official argues power of city’s legislature was meant to be restricted and secondary to executive branch
Professor Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, a semi-official think tank, issued the observation in his newly published book in which he analysed possible changes in Beijing’s policy towards the city.
Lau said the massive submissions of amendments “obviously violated the legal intent of Article 74” of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. The article states that while lawmakers may introduce bills that do not relate to public expenditure, political structure or the operation of the government, the chief executive’s written consent is required before tabling them.
Lawmakers and the Legco secretariat have long believed this clause does not apply to all members’ amendments to government bills.
The central government would not hesitate to interpret Articles 74 and 75 in order to achieve the goals of righting wrongs