Hong Kong deputies to be elected to China’s legislature to play bigger role in country’s governance, senior mainland official says
- December 15 poll to determine 36 deputies who will represent city in National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee next term
- Yang Zhenwu, NPC secretary general, warns against attempts to sabotage upcoming election
More than 30 Hong Kong deputies who will be elected to China’s legislature next month will play a bigger role in the governance of the country, a senior mainland official has said, as he convened the first briefing about the local poll.
Yang Zhenwu, the secretary general of top legislative body National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on Monday also warned against any attempts to infiltrate or sabotage mainland Chinese authorities through the December 15 poll. The election will determine the 36 deputies who will represent the city in the legislature’s next term.
Pro-establishment heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung, currently the city’s sole delegate to the standing committee, has announced his decision to step down, confirming an earlier Post report.
The standing committee in recent years has made several important decisions concerning Hong Kong, including the imposition of the national security law in 2020 and a series of electoral overhauls following anti-government protests in 2019.
Citing these two decisions, Yang said the city’s current delegates deserved praise for their “outstanding contributions” in major political affairs and struggles relating to Hong Kong, adding they had actively participated in meetings and “took the lead” in explaining the Beijing-imposed legislation to the public.
“As the socialist system with Chinese characteristics steps into a new era, the NPC system is getting more mature and vibrant, while the role of deputies has been strengthened,” he said.
“The Hong Kong representatives to be elected will definitely play a bigger role in the affairs and governance of the country.”
