Hong Kong’s newly elected lawmakers have expressed their determination to serve Hong Kong society well and to support the government’s plans, with the reconstruction work following the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po underscored as a key priority.

Following overnight vote counting, Hong Kong saw the formation of its new-term Legislative Council on Monday morning. The 90-member LegCo comprises 20 lawmakers elected from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies, and 40 from the Election Committee constituency.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki wrote in a social media post on Monday that the election was conducted at a time when the SAR is facing significant challenges, and demonstrated the “Lion Rock spirit” of residents and their ability to overcome adversity and forge a future together.

Electing a new-term Legislative Council during this difficult time reflects the public’s support for achieving good governance in the special administrative region, Chan said.

ALSO READ: Bonding to create the future

Gary Chan Hak-kan, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), successfully defended his seat in the New Territories North East constituency in Sunday’s poll, and said the election was intensely competitive but successful.

Chan said at a press conference on Monday that, conducted in the shadow of the Tai Po fire — which caused at least 159 deaths — the election held significant meaning for the future.

"It fully demonstrates the solidarity of Hong Kong society in responding to disaster relief and reconstruction, as well as its determination to promote reform and development,” said Chan.

Chan added that the top priority for the new LegCo is to fully support the fire-hit residents of Wang Fuk Court, assisting them in overcoming difficulties and with finding homes.

READ MORE: New HK lawmakers to contribute to economic upgrades

He said the DAB has found a piece of developable land in Tai Po that could be used for reconstruction work, and will submit for the consideration of the SAR government relevant plans for post-disaster reconstruction and compensation as soon as possible.

Ng Chau-pei, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, was re-elected in the Hong Kong Island East constituency. He also placed dealing with the aftermath of the Tai Po fire at the top of his agenda, especially efforts to rebuild homes for the displaced residents.

“The formation of a new-term LegCo will definitely help advance (the task of dealing with) the aftermath of the fire and related reform efforts,” Ng said.

Christine Fong Kwok-shan won a seat in the New Territories South East constituency after five failed attempts in previous elections. As a new face in the LegCo, Fong said that the new legislature should pass a law to ban smoking on construction sites and amend the Buildings Ordinance and legislation related to fire safety to eliminate loopholes.

The new LegCo will commence its four-year term on Jan 1 next year.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com