Editorial | Cooperation essential for district councils to perform duties properly

Cooperation between the Hong Kong government and the new district councils did not get off to a good start. In a gesture of defiance, hundreds of pro-democracy councillors are to snub a briefing by the chief secretary for administration, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, on Friday. The move does not come as a surprise, given the prevailing political atmosphere and the fact that the opposition now controls all but one of the councils following November’s landslide victory buoyed by the extradition bill crisis. But it does not augur well for establishing healthy working relations.

The two-hour meeting is a long-standing practice to help new members get to know government operations. Some of those re-elected from the pro-Beijing bloc also said they might not attend. But what sounds like a routine procedure has become the backdrop for political theatrics; and the excuses of not attending are multifarious. They range from being given too short notice and insufficient time for meaningful exchanges to clashes with their trips to observe this weekend’s presidential election in Taiwan. Some took issue with the arrangement in which ousted members were received by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor last month, while newcomers would only meet Cheung, the No 2 in government.

Lam said the two occasions were different and could not be compared, but she should realise that district councils are no longer as friendly as they used to be when under the control of Beijing loyalists. The opposition was swept into power at the lower tier amid outrage fuelled by protests against the now-withdrawn extradition bill and questionable police enforcement actions. The pledge by new district councillors to review and overturn what they consider white elephant projects approved in the previous term is not just for the sake of value for money. Together with their initiatives, such as Yuen Long district council setting up a task force to look into the shocking attack by a mob on those at a railway station in July, members are keen to assert their authority and create a new political culture. Officials can expect some tough times ahead, and it is good that Lam is prepared to work with all councils regardless of their political make-up.

Members are also expected to serve the public wholeheartedly regardless of political alignment. While they have to make good their election promises and hold officials accountable on issues of concern, many district council affairs are unrelated to politics. Be it as allies or opponents, the need to work closely to get things done is the same. Engagement is always better than antagonism. Healthy exchange and cooperation are necessary if the councils are to fully exercise their roles and functions under the law.