Hong Kong lawmaker admits driving while attending panel meeting conducted by video conferencing

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung was seen in his car asking a government minister a question at a housing panel meeting

Asked if he could have broken the law, the legislator said: ‘I will leave it for others to decide’

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FTU lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung used a virtual background during the panel meeting. Photo: SCMP

Published: 10:13pm, 14 Jan 2021Updated: 1:09am, 15 Jan 2021

A Hong Kong lawmaker has admitted he was driving while taking part in a Legislative Council panel meeting conducted by video conferencing on Thursday.

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung was seen in his car asking a government minister a question, just one day after Legco members approved a motion allowing certain formal meetings to be held online amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Officials attended the meeting in the morning to answer lawmakers’ questions on the government’s public housing construction plan, and an annual report on the implementation of its long-term housing strategy.

Kwok asked Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan what the government would do to cut waiting times for a public flat. Although Kwok used a virtual background, he could be seen sitting in his car as he moved while asking the question.

The housing panel meeting was held online. Photo: SCMP

When other lawmakers were moving non-binding motions to express their views, Kwok appeared to be driving as he looked around while his face mask dangled in front of his camera.