Hong Kong Legco to explore mainland-style oversight system for bills enforcement



Hong Kongโ€™s legislature will consider establishing a dedicated mechanism to scrutinise the implementation of approved bills and funding, drawing inspiration from mainland Chinaโ€™s law enforcement inspection system, according to its president.

Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king also dismissed concerns that the cityโ€™s first five-year plan would undermine the โ€œone country, two systemsโ€ governing principle, emphasising the blueprint would be consistent with the capitalist system and free market principles.

Lee โ€“ also the cityโ€™s sole representative to the National Peopleโ€™s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the nationโ€™s top legislative body โ€“ said on Monday that Legco could take a leaf out of the NPCโ€™s book in adopting new tools to supervise the government.

โ€œIn the past, after bills and funding are approved, Hong Kongโ€™s model has relied on lawmakers raising questions to follow up,โ€ Lee said on the sidelines of the annual โ€œtwo sessionsโ€ in Beijing.

โ€œIs it possible for us to conduct law enforcement inspections to examine the actual implementation and usage after bills and funding have been approved? I think this is something worth exploring.โ€

Lee was referring to the NPCโ€™s law enforcement inspection system, which would identify problems arising from implementation and propose improvements, including amendments to the law.

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