Quick passage of bills does not mean lawmakers were sloppy, says LegCo chief

LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said on Saturday that the current term of the Legislative Council has been processing bills at a faster pace, with a significant focus on the Article 23 legislation. However, he stressed that the quick pace does not equate to negligence and a lack of oversight.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, the LegCo chief said the current Legislative Council has diligently followed the procedures required for the first to third readings of bills, allowing ample opportunity for lawmakers to express their views.

There have been no deliberate disruptions, filibustering, or personal attacks, he said, adding that the discussions on legislation and policies have been rational and practical, occasionally sparking debates, with government officials present to provide explanations.

When asked to comment on the LegCo greenlighting all government funding requests, Leung said being an effective legislature does not solely entail obstructing progress, underscoring the importance of the legislature balancing and cooperating with the government.

He also believed that policies had been thoroughly discussed at the Finance Committee before being tabled at the general meetings, eliminating the need for unnecessary questioning.

The more important thing is to adhere to fair and procedural justice, Leung added.