Lawmakers asked questions in revamped sessions

Lawmakers will be asked to share insights on strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international higher education hub, funding methods for mega development projects and demonstrations of patriotism in the first revamped interactive and consultative exchange session with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu at the Legislative Council tomorrow.

Last week, Lee previewed that the new interactive exchange Q&A session will be themed on the essence of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the two sessions. It will begin at 10.30am and is expected to last for 1 1/2 hours.

Revealing more details ahead of the session, Lee said it will be conducted in two parts.

The first part will focus on topics related to "safety and stability" and the second part will concentrate on "development and fulfillment."

The government earlier sent a letter to lawmakers to seek their opinions on three questions for the session: how to promote the mainstream values of patriotism, how to develop and consolidate Hong Kong's status as a regional hub for international higher education, and ideas on funding and public-private partnership plans that would reduce the government's financial burden on large-scale development and infrastructure projects like the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands.

Unlike the monthly Q&A session introduced by his predecessor Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, where Lam was mostly answering lawmakers' inquiries, Lee hoped the revamped exchange can allow for interactive discussions.

Lee said lawmakers can ask questions and express their views or both.

He will also respond to lawmakers' inquiries on other topics, as well as pose questions to them. He added that the coming session has the benefits of regular Q&A sessions, motion debates and policy address consultations, where he and lawmakers can review the governance strategies and goals for the SAR, as well as discuss important topics from a big picture perspective.

"I hope that through this Q&A session, the power and values of patriots administering Hong Kong can be released and enhanced," Lee said.

"The executive branch and the legislature can also work together, so the chief executive can interact and communicate with legislators from a great vision, alongside building a consensus to shape a better Hong Kong."

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com