Hong Kong LegCo: What is good can always be better

Editor's note: Decision Makers is a global platform for decision makers to share their insights on events shaping today's world. Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen is the President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Seventh Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China marks a historic milestone. Formed in January 2022 under the improved electoral system, it is the first term that has achieved the full implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle, putting an end to internal strife in the previous terms and returning to rationality and pragmatism. Over the current term, LegCo members have demonstrated unwavering commitment and a strong sense of responsibility in fulfilling their constitutional duties, having enacted a total of 120 bills as of mid-July 2025, which is nearly double the number compared to the same period of the previous term, and having also approved funding proposals amounting to more than HK$668 billion for the betterment of the people of Hong Kong.

As the world undergoes profound changes and unprecedented transformations, our country is advancing towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, while Hong Kong is entering a critical phase of transitioning from stability to prosperity. In this context, both the Central Government and the Hong Kong community have heightened expectations of LegCo and its members. Members themselves fully recognize the need to shoulder greater responsibilities, uphold higher standards, strengthen self-discipline, and refine the performance mechanism to meet these evolving expectations. In this connection, on 24 July 2025, LegCo members approved a series of self-initiated proposals aimed at further improving the effective operation of the HKSAR's legislature and ensuring the high-performance standards of its members.

Advancing excellence through LegCo-initiated new Code for its members

LegCo has long embraced a culture of continuous improvement. It is our practice to conduct a thorough review before the end of each term to reflect on past experiences and explore ways to enhance the operation of the Council. The current-term LegCo is no exception. Following a comprehensive review, members have reached consensus on a series of forward-looking proposals for implementation in the new-term LegCo commencing in January 2026. These proposals aim not only to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of LegCo and its committees but also to enhance the accountability and elevate the overall performance standards of its members. A key initiative among them is the introduction of a Code for Members of LegCo ("the Code"), designed to institutionalize best practices and strengthen the performance framework for members.

As an integral part of the HKSAR's governing team, LegCo members are fully aware of their duty to meet the highest standards in public service under the principle that "what is good can always be better." The Code represents a clear and systematic effort to enhance accountability, self-discipline and self-governance. Its objective is to enable LegCo to better fulfil its constitutional duties – including enacting legislation, approving public expenditure proposals, and monitoring the government – while reinforcing public confidence in LegCo members' integrity and professionalism.

The Code comprehensively and systematically consolidates and refines existing regulations to provide a coherent and transparent framework for members' conduct and performance. It sets out general principles to which members must adhere, such as upholding the constitutional order and the executive-led government system, safeguarding national security, maintaining close ties with the public, etc. The Code serves as a constant reminder for members to engage in fact-based and constructive policy discussions, uphold personal integrity, and act in the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong.

Institutionalizing best practices for an accountable legislature

As representatives of the public, LegCo members are expected to exemplify the highest standards of ethics and conduct. Society rightly holds them to account. As such, the Code establishes a more robust declaration of interest mechanism and introduces a mechanism for imposing sanctions on members according to the gravity of the misconduct. Depending on the severity of a violation, the member concerned may face disciplinary actions – including suspension from LegCo duties for more serious cases.  During such suspensions, members concerned will be deprived of remuneration and allowances, reinforcing the importance of integrity and ethical behavior.

To ensure the effective implementation of the Code, the current "Committee on Members' Interests" will be restructured and renamed the "Legislative Council Supervisory Committee." This committee will be responsible for monitoring members' compliance with the Code, regularly reviewing its effectiveness, and proposing enhancements as needed. It will also handle complaints of alleged misconduct in a stringent, fair, impartial, independent and objective manner. With the authorization of LegCo, the Supervisory Committee and its investigation subcommittees will be vested with the power to summon witnesses and documents under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance to conduct thorough investigations. The goal of these initiatives is to ensure that the conduct of LegCo members consistently aligns with the expectations of the public and enhances the Council's reputation as a responsible legislative body.

Moreover, not only does the Code clearly set out the requirements relating to meetings of LegCo and its committees to increase transparency, it also stipulates that members must submit an annual work report. These reports, to be published on the LegCo website, will provide the public with a transparent account of members' major achievements, participation in meetings and activities, and policy advocacy efforts. These reports will also contain, amongst other things, members' policy proposals made after research and in-depth analysis, and their work on "telling the good stories of Hong Kong" to different stakeholders.

As representatives of public opinion, LegCo members must strive for continuous improvement. They must be proactive reformers, effective drivers of progress, and committed to optimizing and implementing mechanisms for fulfilling their duties – all to better serve the public and contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the nation. The enhancement of the operation of LegCo, together with the introduction of the Code, is a perfect example of reinforcing a self-monitoring mechanism, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and transparency. Only by doing so can we live up to the trust of the people of Hong Kong and the expectations of the country.

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