How time flies! The current term of the Legislative Council (LegCo) is coming to an end. Looking back on the past four years, LegCo has faced political polarization and tensions between the executive and legislative branches. Amid these tensions, I have insisted on focusing on economic growth and making the voice of business heard in LegCo and the Government, with a view to helping Hong Kong get out of its current predicament as soon as possible.

With the triple whammy of the Sino-U.S. trade war, the anti-extradition bill movement and the novel coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong is now facing its most severe economic crisis since the handover in 1997. The business community hopes the Government will “support enterprises, safeguard jobs and stabilize the economy” by putting practical and effective measures in place to drive economic growth.

On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the Government to continue to uphold the principle of “One Country, Two Systems,” exercise a high degree of autonomy, and safeguard national sovereignty. Altogether, this means that companies big and small can operate and flourish in Hong Kong without worry.

Members of LegCo have a huge responsibility to promote the economic development of Hong Kong. LegCo must review and approve numerous policies every term, therefore every decision we make has an impact on the development of various sectors. 

While most LegCo members work hard on the behalf of the people of Hong Kong, over the past few years, some have indulged in filibustering and mutually assured destruction. These tactics have held up the work of LegCo and made it difficult for the Government to implement various policies – including emergency measures. Such behaviour does no good but only harm to society.

No matter which end of the political spectrum members are from, we need to mend the currently strained relations to allow effective governance for the sake of the city. 

In the long run, the Government should help businesses expand domestically and integrate into the national development, to seize the right business opportunities for us to inject new vitality into the prosperity of Hong Kong.

The past four years have been full of perils and challenges. With companies in the city facing unprecedented difficulties, the Government is obliged to lead Hong Kong out of the haze. 

Over the next few years, the SAR Government should take an unconventional approach to exploring new growth points for the economy while maintaining our competitiveness, which will help pave the way for an economic recovery. As responsible politicians, LegCo members should contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability through constructive exchange.

Jeffrey Lam
[email protected]