Hong Kong's New Lawmakers Ask Fewer Questions, Show Higher Attendance

Hong Kong’s first-time lawmakers have raised fewer questions than their veteran counterparts but recorded a higher attendance rate, a South China Morning Post check has found.

Alan Chan Chung-yee, who is also the chief operating officer of Miramar Group, and athlete turned legislator Vivian Kong Man-wai were among those who submitted the fewest questions to the government.

Political observers attributed the trend to newcomers seeking to balance respect for the executive-led system with their role in providing checks and balances.

The eighth Legislative Council – which began its term in January – held its final general meeting last week before its summer recess, with members currently in Beijing for an unprecedented week-long study trip ending on Saturday.

Latest Legco figures show that lawmakers have submitted a total of 418 questions to the administration since taking office in January. The 40 newcomers averaged four questions each, while the 50 returning lawmakers averaged five.

Among the six lawmakers who raised two or fewer questions over the past seven months, five were first-time legislators. These included Chan, who submitted just one question – the lowest overall – on the hotel industry’s reception capacity.