Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen revealed that his decision to conclude his nine-year legislative service was determined two years ago, stating the current moment presents the right time to "leave on a high note."
The 74-year-old president announced last Monday that he will not seek reelection in the December 7 LegCo General Election, providing ample opportunity for potential successors to prepare their campaigns.
Defending LegCo's record
In a recent interview, Leung disclosed he had informed the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong of his retirement plans two years ago and confirmed the industrial functional constituency has already initiated the search for his successor.
Addressing criticisms that characterize the LegCo as a "rubber stamp" for the government, Leung pointed to the extensive revisions made to the Article 23 legislation.
“While many may only know that the Article 23 legislation was passed within seven days, 91 of the 182 provisions were amended, marking the most extensive revision to a proposal in my experience,” Leung said.
Leung further highlighted the rejection of the same-sex partnership bill as evidence that the council exercises independent judgment rather than automatically endorsing government proposals.
He described the current council as an effective model of governance, emphasizing the importance of preserving its distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from mainland and foreign legislatures.
Reflecting on a legislative career
Reflecting on a parliamentary career that began in 2004, with his presidency commencing in 2016, Leung acknowledged the challenges encountered throughout his LegCo journey.
He cited several key achievements during his leadership, including amendments to the Rules of Procedure, implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" policy, and a 60 percent increase in bills passed compared to the previous term.
With these accomplishments realized, he affirmed that the present moment represents an appropriate time to retire.
At his final official appearance as president during a government-hosted football match, Leung characterized governance as requiring both defensive and offensive strategies.
"We must not concede goals or just play defense; we strive for steady victory," he remarked, expressing confidence that the LegCo would continue fulfilling its constitutional role of effectively overseeing and cooperating with the government.
Potential successors emerge
As speculation intensifies regarding Leung's successor, political sources have identified four potential candidates: Martin Liao Cheung-kong, Chan Kin-por, Starry Lee Wai-king, and Ronick Chan Chun-ying.
Considering factors including current positions and age, political observers suggest Ronick Chan Chun-ying has emerged as a frontrunner for the position.
Leung's retirement concludes a significant chapter for the LegCo, making him the third president to serve since the handover, following predecessors Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai and Jasper Tsang Yok-sing.
