The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, hosted a luncheon today (June 28) in the Dining Hall of the LegCo Complex for the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Liaison Office), Mr Zheng Yanxiong, and other Liaison Office officials.
On behalf of all LegCo Members, Mr Leung expressed gratitude to Director Zheng for another visit to LegCo since last year for dedicated exchange with Members, fully demonstrating his recognition and support for the work of LegCo. Mr Leung pointed out that the Seventh LegCo had bid farewell to internal attrition and restored rationality. He said it was expected that by the summer recess in mid-July, LegCo would have passed 75 bills, an increase of 35 per cent compared to the same period in the previous term. Additionally, it was anticipated that 186 financial proposals, with a total commitment of over $500 billion, would have been approved by mid-July, reflecting an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous term. The results are a testament to the proactive pragmatism of Members.
Mr Leung said the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, driven by his strong sense of responsibility, proposed in March this year to enact legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The bill, after scrutiny by LegCo, was subsequently passed, plugging the loophole in national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and enabling Hong Kong to concentrate on its efforts on breaking new ground.
Mr Leung stressed, "Since the early years of Hong Kong, the city has been evolving and advancing on an ever-changing track. From need to change, from change to solution, unfazed by change and dare to change are in Hong Kong's DNA for success." He pointed out that LegCo, as an integral member of "patriots administering Hong Kong", shall spare no effort in assisting the SAR Government in assembling constructive forces to drive Hong Kong's development. The Liaison Office serves as an important channel for connecting different sectors of Hong Kong and facilitating the exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland. LegCo looks forward to more regular and a closer collaboration with the Liaison Office, with a view to advancing Hong Kong from stability to prosperity and better contributing to our country.
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