Hong Kong minister attacks lawmaker’s bid to adjourn debate on copyright bill

Commerce minister Greg So Kam-leung hit back at Raymond Chan Chi-chuen yesterday after the People Power lawmaker suggested a motion to adjourn debate on the controversial copyright amendment bill at this week’s meeting.

So, who is tasked with implementing the bill, said it was “very unwise” for Chan to try to obstruct debate in the Legislative Council and called on other lawmakers, especially the pan-democrats not to support his motion.

Last week So told the media that the proposed bill would be shelved if it was not passed by next Friday.

Debate has been adjourned five times since December after continued filibustering tactics by pan-democrat lawmakers.

“I hope lawmakers, especially the pan-democrat lawmakers, will not join the debate adjournment proposed by Chan,” So said.

The minister said Hong Kong needed “positive energy”, otherwise it would “sink in sorrow”.

Chan told Cable News after So made the comments that adjourning the debate would free up more time for lawmakers to deal with bills that were not disputed.