New code of conduct for lawmakers passes at Legco
發佈日期: 2025-07-25 00:16
TVB News
The Legislative Council has passed a new code of conduct to regulate the behaviour of lawmakers. The new code comes into effect in the next term.
In a meeting at the Legislative Council on Thursday, the new code of conduct was unanimously passed. The code aims to refine the requirements of lawmakers' behaviour, ethics and duties. Lawmakers will receive sanctions depending on the level of misconduct.
For example, if lawmakers leave Hong Kong for more than two days while Legco is in session, they must inform the Secretariat before departure.
If a member's absence from a meeting causes adjournment and the Legco President isn't satisfied
there is a valid reason for the absence, the lawmaker will be liable to pay a financial penalty.
Lawmakers explained their reasons for supporting the new code.
KWOK WAI-KEUNG, Legco Labour (FTU): "We've had a painful lesson. Because of the mutual destructive camps, the operation of the Legco was undermined."
TIK CHI-YUEN, Legco Social Welfare (Third Side): "There are a lot of blind spots that government officials may have. That's why the Legco members must represent the public to put forward constructive views and monitor the governance of the government."
Legco president Andrew Leung said the amendments within the code are not harsh.
ANDREW LEUNG, President, Legco:"We are just focusing on all the expectations from ourselves and from the Hong Kong people -- their expectation of Hong Kong Legislative Council and what they should do."
Leung added authorities have no plans to amend any other "Rules of Procedure."
