'Belonging' has changed Hong Kong

SAR legislative leader calls goodwill crucial

Dedication to work for the good of Hong Kong and respect for the rule of law are needed to help solve problems in the special administrative region, according to Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

Hong Kong's development over the past 20 years shows how well the system built on the one country, two systems principle works, Leung said. He spoke in Hong Kong at a recent group interview focused on the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

He said he hopes the Legislative Council and the incoming Hong Kong government will cooperate on issues concerning people's livelihoods and the city's long-term prosperity and stability.

"It's important for the legislature and administrative body to collaborate for over 7 million Hong Kong people's well-being," Leung said.

"The deep-rooted problems in Hong Kong cannot be solved without a virtuous interaction between the two parties."

He said both the Legislative Council and the city government have the responsibility to push forward policies to improve people's livelihoods.

"Government officials should explain the reason why they want to carry out a new policy and take legislators' advice into consideration. They also need to make sure ordinary residents understand their policies."

As for the Legislative Council members, instead of turning a deaf ear to whatever the government officials say, they should sit down together and give advice for the good of Hong Kong's development, he suggested.

According to Leung, the average age of the incumbent Legislative Council members has dropped from 58 to 52. The youngest member is 23.

"Young people love to use their own way of expression, and they don't understand the meaning of one country, two systems or the rights and obligations of a legislator," Leung said.

One thing a Legislative Council member should keep in mind is that it is their responsibility to pledge allegiance to the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR once they get elected. They are elected to serve the public interest and do things for Hong Kong's good, he stressed.

The rule of law constitutes a key part of Hong Kong's core values, which can never be challenged by anyone using any excuse, he said.

"During the period of the British government in Hong Kong, most people minded their own business and remained indifferent to politics.

"But since reunification, people have felt a strong sense of belonging and wanted to get involved in affairs concerning their home's future development.

"It's our home now."

Leung said he believed it is normal to hear some different voices, which indicates that people are concerned about Hong Kong's development.

Leung said political reform is not the most urgent issue for the time being and it would complicate things that should be solved easily.

zhanqianhui@chinadaily.com.cn