Starry Lee focuses on current duties amid speculation over LegCo presidency

With the Legislative Council election approaching, veteran lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king on Monday downplayed speculation about her potential bid for the council presidency, saying her priority remains on fulfilling her existing responsibilities.

Speaking at a press conference Monday, Lee said her dual roles as a member of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and a Hong Kong lawmaker complement each other rather than conflict.

“With the deepening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland, my dual roles allow me to convey citizens’ concerns on issues such as health codes during the pandemic and access to the financial market to both the SAR and central governments,” she said.

Lee described the current period as a pivotal stage in Hong Kong’s transition “from stability to prosperity,” particularly with a new performance-monitoring system for lawmakers set to take effect in the next term.

She expressed optimism that the next legislature would strengthen communication with the executive authorities under the leadership of the chief executive.

Addressing concerns that the Legislative Council may be losing diversity after several veteran lawmakers announced they would not seek re-election, Lee rejected suggestions of declining inclusiveness.

She emphasized that members with different views continue to express themselves freely and that their opinions are duly considered by the government.