Hong Kong Lawmakers to Hold Joint Debate on Policy Address and Five-Year Plan

Hong Kong lawmakers will hold a three-day joint debate in early October on the city’s annual policy address and first five-year plan, with Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king seeking to extend the session so legislators have enough time to reflect residents’ views.

The Legco earlier announced a combined debate from October 7 to 9, requested by the government, to cover both the motion of thanks on the policy address and a government motion on the five-year blueprint moved by the chief secretary.

“For this first joint debate, I hope to secure a longer duration than before so that lawmakers will have more time for a comprehensive discussion,” Lee said on Sunday, adding that final arrangements would be confirmed with the chief executive.

“The two [documents] are definitely interconnected, and delivering and debating them together will help highlight their connection.”

Expecting key elements of the policy address to feature in the five-year plan, Lee said a joint debate was appropriate and pledged to ensure lawmakers were allotted sufficient time to discuss both documents.

She also expected the five-year plan to outline middle- to long-term strategies for the city, particularly on technological advancement and economic growth, alongside targets for key livelihood issues such as housing, healthcare and labour.