In Brief

Lawmakers quiet on Exco invitation

Pro-democracy lawmaker Alan Leong Kah-kit is remaining silent on reports that Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has invited him to join his cabinet. But the barrister of the Article 45 Concern Group said he supported any move to invite members of the pro-democracy camp and those who could help the government improve governance to sit on the Executive Council. Fellow Article 45 Concern Group member Ronny Tong Ka-wah also declined to confirm the invitation.

DAB wants long Hair punished for gesture

The Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong has vowed to see 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung punished for allegedly making an offensive gesture inside the Legco chamber. Party legislator Lau Kong-wah said his party would press for follow-up action in a Legco House Committee meeting next Friday. Mr Leung hit back by saying he had only held up his middle finger to describe pro-government Philip Wong Yu-hong's controversial gesture towards demonstrators last year.

lawmakers take 1.9pc pay cut

The salary of lawmakers is to be cut by $1,050 to $54,170 a month with immediate effect. Their office allowance will also be reduced from an annual $1.51 million to $1.48 million. The government said the 1.9 per cent reductions were in line with adjustments in consumer price index. The reductions, for six consecutive years, have fuelled calls for a review of the adjustment system.