New Hong Kong district councils must put people and their livelihoods first
- Revamped ‘patriotic’ municipal bodies are not expected to be just a copy of the city government, but to reflect the views of those they represent
The political pendulum swings as the district councils made up of “patriots” begin a new term. While the operation is expected to be totally different from that during the previous opposition-led era, the revamped lower-tier structure must not become just an echo chamber of the government.
In addition to helping the implementation of public policies, it should also reflect the views of the people and strive to improve their livelihoods.
The 18 municipal bodies held their inaugural meetings this week after the 470 members were officially sworn in on Monday. As expected, these patriots all passed the requirement of pledging allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the city’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law.
In 2021, some 260 opposition councillors resigned ahead of the introduction of new oath-taking rules amid speculation that those who failed to meet the requirements could be forced to return salaries and other funding.
In a show of change in style and practice, some members of the Wan Chai district council took to the street following the oath to engage local residents. Meanwhile, some councils were said to have held preparatory sessions before the term began.
They are expected to form workforces, including one tasked with boosting the local economy. The more proactive approach in reaching out to the community and conducting council business is a welcome change.
Addressing the members at the oath-taking ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged them to serve as a bridge between the government and residents and to carry out their duties with a people-oriented approach. He also told members that they must safeguard national security and support the enactment of a Hong Kong-initiated national security law under Article 23 of the Basic Law.
The “four-point requirement” from the city leader would have raised eyebrows in the previous political landscape. Even though district bodies have no political power, the councils are seen as part of the establishment, with a mission to enhance district governance and people’s livelihoods under a high-stakes revamp to keep power in the hands of those trusted by Beijing.
That said, there should still be room for rational discussion and dissent. The municipal bodies must also not swing from one extreme to another. Apart from helping the government to discharge duties, it is incumbent upon the members to honestly reflect public views and question the authorities in a way that ensures policies and measures are what people want and that they can genuinely benefit society.
The government must also fulfil its leading role in district governance and better support members to make the revamp a success.
