New lawmakers urged to contribute to HK's prosperity

Ninety lawmakers in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were sworn in to office at a ceremony on Monday, where they expressed their determination to serve the public.

They took the oath of office in front of the national emblem－the first time in the SAR's history. Administering the process, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor determined that all of the oaths were valid.

During the ceremony, the new members of the Legislative Council, who are the first term of lawmakers elected under the revamped electoral system, swore allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR and its Basic Law.

After the one-hour ceremony, spokespersons from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR said the oath-taking was conducted solemnly and demonstrated the fresh spirit of the new lawmakers.

Stressing the significant duty of the city's legislature, the two central government agencies expressed their expectations that the new lawmakers would make a positive contribution to the city's long-term prosperity with their productive work.

The legislators were urged to firmly implement the "one country, two systems" principle, strive to solve critical social issues and promote the city's deeper integration into national development, said the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office spokesperson.

Among the lawmakers, Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan from the Election Committee Constituency said that the new Legislative Council embraced a new atmosphere that allows rational discussion.

Cheung said he believes that the new Legislative Council will serve as a good start for solving deep-seated social problems like housing supply, and meet the public's expectations.

Nixie Lam Lam, another lawmaker from the Election Committee Constituency, expressed her excitement at taking the oath, saying that it was an important occasion to demonstrate the lawmakers' determination to serve Hong Kong.

She called for the united efforts of all Hong Kong residents to contribute to a better future for Hong Kong. She also noted that as a lawmaker, her focus will be diversified, including improving the mechanism of facilitating youth development and promoting the local legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law to better safeguard national security.

Duncan Chiu Tat-kun, a lawmaker from the Information Technology functional constituency, said he will help promote the city's development in innovation and technology by introducing more funds and talent, and facilitate related policymaking.

The seventh-term Legislative Council started its four-year term of office on Saturday. It is scheduled to have its first session on Jan 12.

The new lawmakers, including many new faces, come from different sections of society.