Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam oversees swearing in of 90 new lawmakers, launching first Legislative Council of ‘patriots-only’ era
- Proceedings pass without any of the improper oath-taking antics of the 2016 ceremony, though two lawmakers-elect ordered to repeat their vows over missing words
- The 90 politicians pledge in front of Lam and the national flag to uphold Hong Kong’s mini-constitution and laws
The city’s red-and-white emblem featuring the bauhinia flower that is usually displayed in the Legislative Council chamber was replaced by a national one for the ceremony, which began with lawmakers facing the five-star and bauhinia flags as they sang the country’s anthem.
The Legco secretariat later confirmed that the national emblem would remain in the chamber, while the city’s bauhinia insignia would be displayed below it.
The decision was jointly made by three leading lawmakers from the legislature’s previous term, namely Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, house committee chairwoman Starry Lee Wai-king and Lee’s deputy Ma Fung-kwok.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, the lawmakers said they would work closely with the government to adopt policies that would help improve residents’ livelihoods, boost young people’s upward social mobility and the city’s economic recovery, and advance technological innovation.
They would also help authorities safeguard national security in the global financial hub.
In separate statements, the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) and the central government’s liaison office in the city said they expected Legco to create a brighter future for the city, under the chief executive’s leadership.
