Policy debate may need a third day
The Legislative Council debate on the Governor's final Policy Address could stretch into a third day, it emerged yesterday.
At least three legislators are planning amendments to the traditional motion of thanks.
It is the first time legislators have tried to amend the courtesy motion.
Unionist legislator Lee Cheuk-yan said on Thursday that he would try to amend the motion to express regret at Britain's failure to introduce enough democracy in Hong Kong.
Yesterday, Leung Yiu-chung, also a unionist, said he would add to Mr Lee's amendment regret that London had ignored the needs of working people when formulating policies in Hong Kong.
Frederick Fung Kin-kee of the Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood wanted to express regret at Britain for turning a blind eye to the hardship faced by the poor in Hong Kong.
Every legislator, except Legco President Andrew Wong Wang-fat, is entitled to speak for 15 minutes on the original motion and each amendment.
If no other legislators move amendments, each of the 59 legislators will be entitled to speak for a total of one hour on the original motion and the three amendments.
The debate is scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday.
The Legco President has a number of options, which include allowing the debate to run late on the two scheduled days or extend it to Friday afternoon.
