As the nomination period of the eighth-term Legislative Council election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region approaches, several senior legislators have recently made known their decision not to run for reelection, triggering discussions among members of society. But there is no reason for people to overreact. As Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recently said, it is normal for any organization to change guard through elections in due time, and the personal decision of those who want to quit should be respected.

In the process of Hong Kong’s transition from governance to prosperity, the first phase — from 2020 to the present — emphasizes stability, focusing on promoting prosperity through stability; the next phase will emphasize change, focusing on promoting prosperity through change. As the focus shifts, the SAR’s governance team naturally should change accordingly. It’s quite normal for the veterans, after fulfilling their historical mission, to pass the baton to the next generation of legislators.

The veterans have made significant contributions to promoting Hong Kong’s prosperity by helping the city to cope with daunting challenges and regain stability. By voluntarily vacating their seats for a younger generation of legislators, the old guard will contribute to the SAR and the nation in another way, a move that deserves the respect of Hong Kong society.

Notably, the veterans have demonstrated great perseverance in tough times, as evidenced by the following three major events:

First, when the insurrection broke out in the middle of 2019, the Legislative Council building was stormed and smashed by rioters, leaving it in a complete mess and unable to be used normally. Meanwhile, the anti-establishment lawmakers indulged in disrupting the operation of the legislature with various ploys. Under such unfavorable circumstances and conditions, LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen overcame numerous obstacles and difficulties to maintain the operation of the legislature and conducted deliberation on various bills, with the assistance of many veteran legislators.

The central government, particularly the central authorities that are directly in charge of the SAR’s affairs, as well as the SAR government, recognize and attach great importance to the experience and role of these veteran legislators. They believe that there will still be other platforms and channels for them to make full use of their capabilities and continue to contribute to Hong Kong’s betterment

Second, on March 19, 2024, LegCo unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance after a marathon meeting of 40 hours, enabling the SAR to ultimately fulfill its constitutional responsibility under Article 23 of the Basic Law. As the president of LegCo, Leung also cast an unprecedented and historic vote for the bill. The unanimous passage of the motion fully demonstrated the patriotic and pro-Hong Kong sentiments as well as the sense of responsibility of the legislators.

Third, LegCo has proactively supported the executive branch’s efforts to tackle longstanding livelihood-related problems, such as the subdivided housing woes. It passed the Basic Housing Units Bill in September, and another bill legalizing ride-hailing services in mid-October.    

The incumbent LegCo has passed 60 percent more bills than the previous term. Such high efficiency was unimaginable in the past. Every senior LegCo member has devoted a great deal of effort to guarantee those achievements.

Now is the best time for veteran lawmakers to retreat from the front line for at least two good reasons:

First, most of the veterans who plan to retire are over 70 years old, and have served for more than two terms. Nowadays, the SAR’s socioeconomic development has returned to the right track; LegCo operates smoothly, having established a healthy executive-legislature relationship that enables effective communication and cooperation. It is the right time for the veterans to lay down their burdens after making great contributions.

Second, as the SAR’s socioeconomic development enters a critical stage amid a shifting international landscape and rising uncertainties, it is imperative and urgent for Hong Kong to cultivate a new batch of political talent who are able to break free from the constraints of conventional thinking to help the city cope with rising external challenges, as well as meeting the nation’s new requirements and roles for the SAR as the national strategy for advancing high-quality development and high-level opening-up proceeds. Meanwhile, the progress of major projects that are crucial to Hong Kong’s development, such as the Northern Metropolis, has not met expectations; bold reforms and innovations are needed to boost the momentum. By bringing in a cohort of young and promising political talent, a proactive and vigorous atmosphere will hopefully be created in the legislature, which will be conducive to initiating innovative reforms and policy proposals.

Veteran legislators can still contribute to the SAR’s development after retreating from the front line, and can continue to play an important role in at least the following three aspects:

First, most of the veteran legislators who do not plan to run for reelection have many years of political or business experience; they have extensive connections with the Chinese mainland and overseas, and are familiar with the rules and regulations of various regions and countries. They can continue to help Hong Kong to give full play to its role as a superconnector.    

Second, most of these veterans are leading figures or opinion leaders in their respective fields and possess strong social influence. As the saying goes, “A veteran is worth two novices.” At critical moments, their words and actions can influence a large number of people.

Third, many middle-aged and young candidates with both strengths and weaknesses are likely to enter the contest. The retired veterans are obligated to help aspiring political talent to actively run for election.

The central government, particularly the central authorities that are directly in charge of the SAR’s affairs, as well as the SAR government, recognize and attach great importance to the experience and role of these veteran legislators. They believe that there will still be other platforms and channels for them to make full use of their capabilities and continue to contribute to Hong Kong’s betterment.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.