Hong Kong lawmakers could face penalties as severe as suspension and forfeiture of salary over misconduct starting next term under a new Legislative Council code of conduct, LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said.
Leung dismissed concerns that the proposed code would restrict legislators from expressing their views, but cautioned them against “crossing the red line and going too far.”
However, he stressed that the seriousness of a lawmaker’s behavior depends on both facts and personal judgment, and did not say whether something like an affair would count as serious misconduct.
The revised code requires lawmakers to submit annual work reports within two months after the end of each legislative year to enhance transparency and public scrutiny.
Penalties for misconduct are a five-tier system that includes written warnings, reprimands, and suspension, with suspended members losing salaries and allowances during the penalty period.
Legislators must uphold personal integrity and act in the interests of national security and Hong Kong’s overall welfare, the code states.
Leung also announced plans to enhance committee efficiency, including renaming and expanding the power of the Committee on Members’ Interests.
The committee may investigate real-name complaints and exercise summons powers under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance.
The Committee on Rules of Procedure will allow non-panel members to join policy subcommittees, while duty trips will need majority participation.
Simplified election procedures will apply to the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee on Members’ Interests, the Committee on Rules of Procedure, and the Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records.
If only one valid nomination is received for chair and deputy chair positions, results will be announced in writing without a formal election meeting.
Implementing these changes will require amendments to the Rules of Procedure and House Rules, as well as government-proposed revisions to the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance.
Leung said the draft code and related documents were distributed to lawmakers for review, with the House Committee set to discuss the proposals tomorrow, and if approved, the new rules will take effect at the start of the next LegCo term.
(Ayra Wang)
