As part of my journey documenting "Hong Kong and China: One Country, Two Systems," I had the opportunity to tour the Legislative Council (LegCo) of Hong Kong alongside Dominic Lee Tsz-king, a distinguished member of the New People's Party and Legislative Council representative for New Territories North East. This visit not only provided insights into the legislative processes but also highlighted the intricate balance between local governance and the overarching framework of the One Country, Two Systems principle.
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A Firsthand Introduction to LegCo
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong serves as the city’s lawmaking body, akin to the U.S. Congress or Senate. Dominic Lee greeted us at the iconic LegCo building, situated within the bustling central business district of Hong Kong. As we entered, he explained, “This is where the laws of Hong Kong are debated, passed, and shaped. It’s the cornerstone of governance under the One Country, Two Systems principle.”
The tour began in the grand lobby, where visitors often gather for photographs under the inscription of the Cantonese word "La," symbolizing lawmaking. Dominic elaborated on the structure of LegCo, which currently comprises 90 members elected through three different methods: the election committee, functional constituencies, and geographic constituencies. “I represent the New Territories North East through the geographic constituency, which means I was elected by popular vote,” he shared.
A Walk Through History
Our visit offered a captivating historical overview of the Legislative Council, tracing its evolution from its founding in 1843 under British colonial rule. Initially, all members were government officials, but over time, the council incorporated unofficial members from the local community. Significant milestones include the introduction of Chinese language usage in 1972 and the first indirect elections in 1985.
Dominic pointed out how the council’s role transformed after the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China. "The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 laid the foundation for the One Country, Two Systems principle, ensuring Hong Kong’s legislative autonomy," he explained. This principle allowed Hong Kong to maintain its legal and economic systems distinct from those of mainland China.
Inside the Legislative Chambers
One of the highlights of the tour was a glimpse into the main chamber, where legislative debates and discussions occur every Wednesday and Thursday. Although the chamber was in session during our visit, we observed it from the education room, a space designed for visitors to understand LegCo’s functions.
Dominic described the seating arrangement: “Government officials sit on the left, while LegCo members occupy the other sections. The president of the Legislative Council presides from the center, supported by secretariat staff. When the Chief Executive addresses the council, they sit to the president’s right.”
The Impact of the 2019 Protests
The tour also touched on the challenges faced by the Legislative Council, particularly during the 2019 protests. Dominic recounted how rioters stormed the building, causing extensive damage. “They vandalized the main chamber, broke windows, and disrupted operations. It was a tragic moment for Hong Kong,” he said.
In response to the unrest, enhanced security measures were implemented, including key card access to various parts of the building. The repairs and increased security reflect Hong Kong’s resilience in maintaining its legislative integrity.
A Legislative System Rooted in Balance
Dominic emphasized how LegCo embodies a mix of democratic and professional governance. With representatives elected from various constituencies, including grassroots, professional, and business sectors, the council aims to address diverse societal needs. He also highlighted the role of experts and civil servants in ensuring efficient governance, contrasting this with systems where elected officials may lack subject-specific expertise.
“While the U.S. system relies heavily on elections, Hong Kong combines elections with professional appointments to strike a balance,” he noted.
A Symbol of Hong Kong’s Governance
The Legislative Council stands as a testament to the unique political system under One Country, Two Systems. It showcases Hong Kong’s autonomy while functioning within the framework of China’s sovereignty. From its historical roots to its modern operations, LegCo reflects the city’s evolving identity and its efforts to address the needs of its people.
This visit to LegCo with Dominic Lee Tsz-king provided a profound understanding of Hong Kong’s governance and its place in the broader narrative of China’s development. As I continue my exploration of the region for "Hong Kong and China: One Country, Two Systems," I am struck by the intricate balance and resilience that define this remarkable city.
Stay tuned for more insights and interviews as we delve deeper into the complexities of Hong Kong’s political landscape in the documentary.
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