Sacking 'unsuitable'

It would not be appropriate for the Legislative Council to sack Gary Cheng if he was re-elected, said former lawmaker Eric Li Ka-cheung. But Mr Li - convenor of the so-called 'breakfast group' of non-affiliated members in the former legislature - said he would support an investigation by the new council.

He said the committee on members' interests should look into the matter. The committee has the power to conduct hearings and summon witnesses.

Mr Li said it was obvious that Mr Cheng had breached the lawmaking body's rules by failing to disclose his consultancy firm.

The council's rules of procedure, which regulate the legislature's activities, state that a member who fails to declare his interest properly 'may be admonished, reprimanded or suspended' by a council motion.

Article 79 of the Basic Law provides for heavier punishment for misbehaviour or breach of oath by a lawmaker. The council president can also declare a member as no longer qualified for the office when two-thirds of the members present approve a censure vote.

Mr Li said the heavier penalty provided by the Basic Law should not be used and that it was not right to 'kick a lawmaker returned by universal suffrage out of the council'.