Perform on same stage, dont undermine: Xia tells Hong Kong lawmakers, judges
Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has called on the city to improve its executive-led governance model, arguing that the legislative and judicial branches should support the government rather than undermine each other, as they all perform “on the same stage”. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Monday…
Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has called on the city to improve its executive-led governance model, arguing that the legislative and judicial branches should support the government rather than undermine each other, as they all perform “on the same stage”.
Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Monday warned against any attempts by foreign and disruptive forces to promote the idea of separation of powers, arguing such views undermined the authority of the local and central governments.
Following Xia’s remarks, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed to improve government efficiency and implement an accountability system for principal officials. He added that it was the “primary responsibility” of authorities to govern Hong Kong.
In the morning, Lee and his cabinet joined lawmakers at government headquarters for the live-streamed speech by Xia at a seminar in Beijing organised by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, a semi-official think tank.
In his first major address to the city’s new cohort of legislators, who took office in early January, Xia laid down his five expectations for them, which included upholding high standards of personal conduct and standing up to anti-China forces.
Xia’s address, which adopted the theme of “improving the executive-led system”, highlighted the importance of support from the legislative and judicial branches in enhancing governance, delivering reforms and resolving deep-seated conflicts.
