HK lawmakers vow to promote good governance

Hong Kong lawmakers of the seventh-term Legislative Council vowed on Monday to join hands with the government to solve deep-rooted social problems and promote good governance.

The 90 members, who are the first batch of lawmakers elected under the revamped electoral system, made the remarks after swearing an oath of allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Basic Law at a ceremony, which was administered by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. It's the first time the lawmakers took the oath in front of the national emblem.

In meeting with the media, lawmaker Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, who represents industry sector, said the new LegCo reflects the full implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong", which is expected to help Hong Kong kick off an age of good governance.

Leung said he is confident that the diverse backgrounds of the newly-elected lawmakers will contribute to the city's further integration into the nation's overall development, as well as an improvement of people's livelihood.

Martin Liao Cheung-kong, another lawmaker representing business sector, said the new electoral system has helped Hong Kong get back on the right track and ensures a stable political environment.

Liao pledged that the new LegCo will closely cooperate with the government to solve the problems related to people's livelihood and economic development, while consolidating the traditional advantages of Hong Kong and enhancing the city's competitiveness.

Liao added that the new LegCo will strive to safeguard national security and prevent external forces from interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

Starry Lee Wai-king from the Kowloon Central geographical constituency expressed her gratitude toward the central government for helping stabilize Hong Kong by promulgating the National Security Law and adopting the decision to revamp the electoral system.

Feeling both the excitement and a great sense of responsibility, Lee vowed to have more in-depth communication with different sectors, reflecting more voices of residents to help Hong Kong develop better.

After the oath-taking ceremony, a spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council also expressed the hope that the new lawmakers will win public trust with productive work results.

Stressing the significant duty of the city's legislature, the spokesperson hopes new legislators to firmly implement the "one country, two systems" principle, strive to solve critical social issues, and promote the city's deeper integration into national development.