Tam: New LegCo to back on rational, constructive track

Editor's Notes: Hong Kong will hold its first legislative election under the improved electoral system on Sunday. China Daily talked to an array of representatives from Hong Kong's various sectors to weigh in on the upcoming election and Hong Kong's democracy. Raymond Tam Chi-yuen, former secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs and Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, said the new LegCo is expected to return to a rational and constructive track as all elected members will work for the national development and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

"Meeting the interest of different sectors of society" has always been the core principle in Hong Kong's electoral system. The new electoral system enhanced the composition of the Legislative Council, allowing it to reflect voices of voters of geographical constituencies, represent the interests of different sectors under functional constituencies, and include representatives elected by the Election Committee who have a vision of "one country, two systems" and macro development of our country. The new composition not only ensures that diverse and macro views are represented in the LegCo, but also better fulfills the principle of "meeting the interest of different sectors of society", achieving the four characteristics expounded by Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong, namely, broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation, and fair competition.

Besides, the new LegCo will be formed according to the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" to ensure that all elected members will work for the national development, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and the well-being of the general public. The new LegCo is expected to return to a rational and constructive track, discuss policies in a pragmatic manner, radiate the spirit that "the legislature and the executive authorities both cooperate and keep a check and balance on each other's functions" under the Basic Law, laying a solid foundation for the practice of good governance.

I hope that the new LegCo will focus on solving problems related to people's livelihoods, such as the housing issue, the wealth gap, and upward mobility of young people, and support to expedite Hong Kong's economic growth and its integration into the overall development of the country.

The author is former secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.