China News Service, Hong Kong, August 12 (Wang Jiacheng) On August 11, the 21st meeting of the 13th National People’s Congress passed unanimously the "National People’s Congress Standing Committee Regarding the Continued Implementation of the Sixth Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" Decision of Responsibilities ("Decision"). According to the "Decision", the sixth Hong Kong Legislative Council will continue to perform its duties for no less than one year. In an interview with China News Service, several representatives of the Hong Kong People’s Congress stated that the “Decision” directly responded to the SAR government’s request to ensure that during the “vacuum period” of the Legislative Council caused by the epidemic, the SAR government can govern normally and Hong Kong society can normal operation.
Ye Guoqian, a representative of the Hong Kong National People's Congress and a member of the Hong Kong Executive Council, pointed out that the Legislative Council has substantive responsibilities in the operation of the Hong Kong SAR government, including the review and approval of budgets, and the appropriation of project financial expenditures. "If the Legislative Council does not operate, it will lead to a halt in the operation of the SAR government. In such a severe situation of the epidemic, it is not ideal."
He continued that the SAR government proposed to postpone the election of the Legislative Council for one year earlier, and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will discuss relevant issues only in response to requests. The "Decision" stated that the current Legislative Council will continue to perform its responsibilities for "not less than one year", which is precisely the central government's direct response to the request of the SAR government. "This time the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress used its constitutional power to make corresponding arrangements, which are in line with the provisions and principles of the Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law."
Ma Fengguo, a deputy to the National People's Congress of Hong Kong and a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, welcomed and supported the "Decision." He described that the central government has effectively resolved the "vacuum period" of the Legislative Council in the most relaxed way, allowing all members of the Sixth Legislative Council to continue to hold office instead of adopting a "dramatic method." "I believe that the country hopes that Hong Kong can do its best to fight the epidemic in the next year, so that society can restore peace."
He said that although there were many twists and turns in the Legislative Council last year, there were also laws that could be passed. Faced with such a special situation as the epidemic, I hope that all colleagues of Congress can take their responsibilities and mission seriously and cherish this opportunity for extension. Don't just delay or hinder the work of the Legislative Council just because of political opinions, and do more practical things for Hong Kong. "Next, on the one hand, it is the work of fighting the epidemic, and on the other hand is the work of improving the economy. I personally hope that the SAR government will continue to introduce some measures to assist industries hit by the epidemic; and the work that was not completed in the sixth session, I also hope Completed during the extended period."
Chen Zhenbin, representative of the Hong Kong National People's Congress and the chief convenor of the "Hong Kong Community Anti-epidemic Connection", said: "This "Decision" was formulated by the central government based on the actual situation in Hong Kong. It respects the provisions and principles of the Constitution and Hong Kong Basic Law. I believe it is very good. Decision." He believes that the specific content of the "Decision" reflects the central government's hope that Hong Kong can return to calm as soon as possible, shattering many false rumors in the past, and hopes that the opposition or foreign forces will not have any conspiracy theories.
He continued that the postponement of the election is to avoid the spread of the epidemic, and he hopes that all parties will understand and be considerate. As far as Hong Kong is concerned, the first priority now is to fight the epidemic, and then to restore the economy, to "protect employment and support the economy." "I hope that the Legislative Council can serve the public during the extension of office. If the opposition acts irresponsibly for personal political performances, I believe voters can see it." (End)