New law on Article 23 among 40 proposals expected this year

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Wednesday that 40 legislative proposals are expected to be presented this year, including local legislation to implement the Basic Law's Article 23.

Speaking at the first session of the seventh Legislative Council, Lam said that local legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's constitutional responsibility.

Lam said the government is closely following up the matter and will cautiously hasten the legislation. Noting that it will be difficult to pass the law before the completion of her term, Lam said she expects the bill to be submitted to the LegCo before June 30.

Another proposal in the works is the cancellation of the Mandatory Provident Fund's "offsetting arrangement", which will be the first bill up for debate.

Lam expressed hope that the MPF bill will be passed by the end of June and be implemented before 2025 to protect the rights of laborers.

Lam also said the executive and legislative branches collaborated well in 2021, ushering in a new era of good governance.

Lam added that she expects the government to continue working with the new legislature, which includes people from various backgrounds, for the well-being of the public and laying a good foundation for the healthy development of the city's democracy.