Hong Kong Legco to explore mainland-style oversight system for bills enforcement
Legco president Starry Lee’s proposal follows Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang’s call for city’s legislature to deliver more ‘practical outcomes’
Hong Kong’s legislature will consider establishing a dedicated mechanism to scrutinise the implementation of approved bills and funding, drawing inspiration from mainland China’s law enforcement inspection system, according to its president.
Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king also dismissed concerns that the city’s first five-year plan would undermine the “one country, two systems” governing principle, emphasising the blueprint would be consistent with the capitalist system and free market principles.
Lee – also the city’s sole representative to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the nation’s top legislative body – said on Monday that Legco could take a leaf out of the NPC’s book in adopting new tools to supervise the government.
“In the past, after bills and funding are approved, Hong Kong’s model has relied on lawmakers raising questions to follow up,” Lee said on the sidelines of the annual “two sessions” in Beijing.
“Is it possible for us to conduct law enforcement inspections to examine the actual implementation and usage after bills and funding have been approved? I think this is something worth exploring.”
Lee was referring to the NPC’s law enforcement inspection system, which would identify problems arising from implementation and propose improvements, including amendments to the law.