As a growing number of veteran lawmakers prepare to step back ahead of December’s Legislative Council (LegCo) election, LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen described the turnover as a “healthy and natural” process of renewal.
Speaking at a seminar on Executive-Legislative Collaboration for Good Governance and a Better Future on Thursday, Leung said that whether to seek re-election is a personal decision for each lawmaker, often influenced by career development, family considerations, and the wish to pass the baton to a new generation.
He contrasted the current situation with the sixth LegCo, when some members were disqualified and many opposition figures chose not to run for office.
Leung said the turnover was a “natural norm,” noting that over 30 percent of lawmakers typically do not seek re-election — a figure that exceeded 40 percent during both the fourth and fifth terms.
Citing himself as an example, Leung said many lawmakers choosing to step down share a common commitment to patriotism and a passion for serving the community, despite coming from diverse backgrounds.
He expressed confidence that all members would continue to contribute to Hong Kong and the nation in different capacities.
Emphasizing fairness in the upcoming election, Leung stressed that all candidates — including incumbents seeking re-election — would compete on equal footing, without any “special blessings.”
He encouraged candidates to showcase their capabilities and visions for Hong Kong and the nation’s development, adding that genuine selflessness and a commitment to public service would help win voters’ trust.
Leung also wished for a smooth election for the eighth-term LegCo, expressing hope that a new generation of capable leaders from diverse sectors would bring fresh momentum to both the city and the country.
He further urged re-elected members to share their experience with newcomers.
“Serving citizens, promoting Hong Kong’s development, and contributing to the nation are the goals of every politician,” he said.
With Hong Kong entering what he called a “golden era” of economic growth, Leung urged the next council to embrace innovative thinking to build a prosperous and equitable future.
Citing remarks from President Xi Jinping, he underscored the importance of preserving Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial center and as China’s only common law jurisdiction.
He identified the city’s rule of law, free flow of talent, and cultural diversity as irreplaceable competitive strengths.
As of Thursday, 15 of the 89 current lawmakers had announced they would not seek re-election, including eight aged 70 or above — among them Leung, Ma Fung-kwok, Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, Chan Kin-por, Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, Frankie Yick Chi-ming, Lo Wai-kwok, and Louis Loong Hon-biu.
Four other members over 70 have yet to declare their plans, including 75-year-old New People’s Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.
