Editorial | Legco Q&A a key part of Carrie Lam’s job

Insults are hurled, slogans chanted, placards waved and the occasional fisticuffs erupt, yet the chief executive should attend these sessions to make good on her promise to improve relations with the legislature

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Claudia Mo Man-ching and Gary Fan Kwok-wai hold a protest as Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor walks into Legco Chamber for her question and answer session at Legco in 2019. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:59pm, 28 Oct 2020Updated: 10:06pm, 28 Oct 2020

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor made it her priority to improve relations between the government and the legislature when she took office in 2017. Within five days, she was in Legco facing questions from lawmakers. Lam also introduced an extra, quick question and answer session each month in a bid to further understanding between the executive and legislative branches. The move was well received at the time. But this week the chief executive revealed she no longer intended to make these monthly appearances. She said they were not meaningful any more as they often resulted in conflict and provided an opportunity for opposition lawmakers to subject her to insults. “Why should I do these things?” Lam asked.

There is a simple answer to that question. Responding to queries from legislators is an important part of her job. No matter how unpleasant or unproductive the Q&A sessions may appear, the fact the chief executive is prepared to attend them is important.

Certainly, the sessions have often descended into chaos. Lam has, at times, had little choice but to stand silently, watching as placards are waved and slogans chanted by her political opponents. Some lawmakers have been involved in scuffles and others have been expelled from the chamber. These scenes discredit the legislature and, no doubt, make the chief executive feel uncomfortable.

But her regular attendance at Legco is valuable. It shows the chief executive respects the legislature as an institution, even as some lawmakers show disrespect for her. The sessions enhance transparency and provide lawmakers from both political camps with a chance to ask questions about pressing issues. If lawmakers misbehave, there are disciplinary procedures that can be applied.

It is to be hoped that Lam will, at least, still attend the four longer Q&A sessions each Legco term. These have formed part of political life in the city since 1992. Lawmakers should make the most of these sessions, not by staging political stunts or hurling insults but by asking probing questions and helping the community learn more about government policies. But first, the chief executive must show up. Avoiding Legco will not help Lam make good on her promise to improve relations.