Tag: Legislative Council

Iron Rule

Written by LS Staff on November 4, 2025. Posted in Flash Reports. No Comments on Iron Rule

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (李家超) sent a letter to all civil servants on October 28 urging them to vote in the December 7 Legislative Council election, calling it “a concrete way to demonstrate their oath to uphold the Basic Law.” The pro-government Ta Kung Pao (大公報), controlled by the Liaison Office, responded with an editorial stating civil servant votes should be “iron votes” (鐵票) — unwavering support for the new electoral system. The case illustrated how civil servants face mounting pressure, including in state-backed media, to demonstrate political loyalty through voting.

The 2025 Hong Kong Legislative Council election will be held on December 7. IMAGE: InMediaHK.

Mainly Incorrect

Written by Dalia Parete on October 9, 2025. Posted in Flash Reports. No Comments on Mainly Incorrect

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council Secretariat, the administrative body supporting lawmakers, informed members last week that the English term “Chinese Mainland” (中國內地) must now replace past references to “Mainland China” under orders from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs — a clear effort to foreground PRC sovereignty. Pro-Beijing Executive Council member Ronny Tong Ka-wah (湯家驊) voiced support for the move, praising the Foreign Ministry for its “painstaking care” in clarifying proper terminology. He argued that “Mainland China” implies there are multiple Chinas.

Ronny Tong, a fan of new language in Hong Kong’s LEGCO to refer to China. SOURCE: *Sing Tao Daily*.

Registry Restrictions

Written by LS Staff on October 9, 2025. Posted in Flash Reports. No Comments on Registry Restrictions

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has passed a land registry reform bill that will restrict public access to property records in the territory. Under the new rules, only “designated persons” — lawyers, accountants, surveyors, and former property owners — will be able to access the registry, while journalists will be explicitly excluded. In an op-ed published yesterday by HK01, lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen (狄志遠) warned the restrictions would “severely undermine press freedom and the public’s right to oversight.” Past investigative reports exposing land scandals and official misconduct relied heavily on land registry searches. Tik called on the government to include media workers among designated persons and establish exceptions for public interest inquiries.