Hong Kong government does not have to grind to halt, rival lawmakers say, as one predicts legislature could be closed for six months
- Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai and Liberal Party leader Felix Chung suggest business could continue at alternative venue
- Among urgent matters to be addressed are approving funds for city’s livelihood issues
Hong Kong’s legislature can continue to function despite the heavy damage inflicted on its headquarters by protesters, two leaders from opposite political camps have said.
On Wednesday, lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, chairman of the Democratic Party, said conducting important legislative affairs such as vetting funding requests related to livelihood matters was still possible, if an alternative venue could be found.
Pro-establishment legislator and Liberal Party leader Felix Chung Kwok-pan agreed, although he estimated it could take six months for the Legislative Council complex to reopen.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about what attitude the government takes in the current political situation,” Wu said on a radio programme. “If it says it cannot solve many livelihood issues because [protesters] have disabled Legco, it is trying to tear society further apart.”
