CS urges mutual respect in LegCo

October 14, 2011

Chief Secretary Stephen Lam has urged Legislative Council members to have healthy and rational debates, and to stop using violent language and behaviour.
 
He responded in a radio programme today after a heated exchange between Chief Executive Donald Tsang and two lawmakers led to the pair's ejection from the LegCo chamber for unruly behaviour during a debate in the question-and-answer session on the 2011-12 Policy Address yesterday. The move triggered a walkout by 14 pan-democratic lawmakers. 
 
Mr Lam said the violent behaviour in LegCo has grown in recent years and the council should deal with it effectively.
 
As guests in the council, Mr Lam said attending officials should enjoy equal privileges and protection under the council’s rules and procedures.
 
Mr Lam has visited democratic countries including the US and European countries, and officials and Members of Parliament have respected each despite holding different views.
 
He said a culture of mutual respect and civilised debates should be promoted between officials, members and political parties.
 
Turning to policy measures, Mr Lam said Hong Kong children born to Mainland mothers who are living on the Mainland could replenish our ageing population should they settle in Hong Kong. He noted many of them have parents with good backgrounds who work as managers or executives.
 
Mr Lam said the population steering committee would discuss the housing, education and medical issues that an influx of these children and their families could raise. 
 
A number of callers put forward opinions on the West Kowloon Cultural District project and the new Home Ownership Scheme. An elderly caller praised the proposed concessions to be offered to seniors, such as the $2 transport fare. She gave the Policy Address 90 marks out of 100.