Legislative Council House Committee chairwoman Starry Lee Wai-king confirmed on Tuesday the withdrawal of the council’s traditional farewell motion, citing the need to ensure fairness ahead of the upcoming election.
The farewell motion — a longstanding tradition since Hong Kong’s return to China — gives each lawmaker five minutes to reflect on their term and bid farewell to colleagues.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Lee described the move as “difficult but necessary,” stressing that the decision was made after considering opinions from various stakeholders.
Lee explained that concerns had been raised about the motion potentially granting some lawmakers an unfair advantage, given that the nomination period for the Legislative Council election will open on coming Friday, just two days after the current term’s final session.
She added that some lawmakers had also requested more time to prepare for the upcoming polls.
Responding to suggestions that the decision was intended to prevent extreme or politically charged speeches, Lee said every lawmaker remained free to express their views through other channels.
“Their speeches were not the main concern, since lawmakers regularly share their views with the media and the public,” she said.
On whether the farewell motion might be permanently scrapped, Lee said future decisions would depend on the circumstances and concerns of each Legislative Council term, noting that similar motions had previously been withdrawn due to filibustering.
Veteran lawmaker Martin Liao Cheung-kong, known as the “class monitor” of the pro-establishment camp, said he understood the decision, adding that the tight nomination schedule was one of several factors considered.
However, Tik Chi-yuen of The Third Side, who is not seeking re-election, expressed “deep regret and disappointment,” stressing that the farewell motion provided departing members with an opportunity to share reflections and suggestions.
He warned that scrapping the tradition could hurt the council’s image and limit space for expression.
According to reports, the motion had been scheduled for debate at the final meeting of the current LegCo term on Wednesday.
The original wording on LegCo documents read that the motion is intended to express gratitude for the successful completion of the term’s work and wish for a smooth formation of the next Legislative Council to continue serving the city.
