No spectacle, no fireworks: Legco is getting work done, but Hongkongers are losing interest without opposition sound and fury
- Interest ‘has definitely diminished as there is nothing much that is worth reporting’, pro-establishment lawmaker says
- City’s leader is all praise for brisk pace of business, but even some pro-establishment members say opposition’s absence is ‘unhealthy’
That crowd of journalists has dwindled considerably, even though lawmakers have been at their most productive, passing no fewer than 17 bills in just three months.
The change followed the disqualification and mass resignation of opposition legislators last November, leaving only 41 pro-establishment members and two independent ones.
Gone are the days when Legco sittings were marked by fiery exchanges, dramatic outbursts, the occasional physical altercation and the opposition bloc’s theatrical filibustering to delay the passage of bills they resisted.
“Public attention to Legco has definitely diminished as there is nothing much that is worth reporting,” said a pro-establishment lawmaker who asked to remain anonymous. “The speeches by lawmakers are highly similar, anticipated and centred on backing the government. There are no conflicts.”
