Hong Kong government names all 470 district councillors to 3 neighbourhood committees
- Government appoints 2,999 members to three committees across 18 districts, 466 more than last term
- Political observer Lau Siu-kai says previous term government unwilling to see more district-level organisations become political fighting grounds
The Hong Kong government has named all 470 district councillors to three neighbourhood committees to serve the community, unlike the previous administration which opted against such a move on the grounds that other voices needed to be heard.
Scholars said the latest appointment approach was in line with Hong Kong’s changing political climate after the city implemented the Beijing-ordered “patriots-only” governing principle.
The government on Monday appointed 2,999 members to the three committees across the city’s 18 districts, 466 more than the last term. Among them, 1,937 joined area committees, 536 went to district fight crime committees, and 526 became members of district fire safety committees.
The government said it had identified suitable candidates via various channels on the basis of the merit of the individuals concerned.
Factors, including a candidate’s ability, expertise, experience, integrity, commitment to serving the community and due functions to each of three committees, had also been taken into consideration.
