John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivers his first policy address to the HKSAR Legislative Council since taking office in Hong Kong, south China, Oct 19, 2022. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen described the past year as proactive and productive, withconstructive interaction between the legislative and executive branches of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, as the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” is implemented. 

In the annual year-end review news conference on Friday, the head of the city’s legislature said the legislature this year had passed 32 of the 37 bills submitted by the SAR government.

Leung also noted the introduction of an innovative form of interaction between the legislature and the city’s leader – the chief executive interactive exchange question-and-answer session 

Among the bills passed, many were livelihood related, such as improving the service quality of residential care services for the elderly and traffic rationalization among the three road harbor crossings.

READ MORE: Leung: LegCo to promote HK development in next 25 years

They also covered important bills such as for the regional flag and regional emblem and reform of district level governance.

Leung also noted the introduction of an innovative form of interaction between the legislature and the city’s leader – the chief executive interactive exchange question-and-answer session, during which the chief executive can also askquestions of LegCo. Unlike the previous one-sided question-and-answer session, Leung said it helps avoid tricky questions. 

“Sometimes the members themselves have no answers on their questions, and the new form can ensure that the questions are asked with deliberation, which can help to build a conducive interaction,” Leung said.

READ MORE: Lawmakers call for early, full implementation of PA

Leung emphasized that the communication between the government and the council is vital and pledged to uphold the principle of being proactive and productive to seek development for the city and make contributions to the country in the next 25 years.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com