Editorial | 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.
