Letters | Legco election 2021: electoral revamp made possible slate of quality candidates and constructive debate
- The sloganeering and vague promises of elections past were replaced by a focus on the major issues confronting Hong Kong, even as law and order was restored
As a candidate in the medical and health services constituency, I was grateful for the positive changes brought by the introduction of the new electoral system. Instead of the highly politicised electioneering activities, involving sloganised propaganda with vague promises to voters, that characterised elections over the past two decades, this year we saw candidates canvassing for support through public forums broadcast on online platforms or via Zoom meetings.
In my field, the medical and health services industry, the exchange of ideas did not stop once the forum was over and the candidates went off air. The candidates continued to talk in subsequent meetings, leading to many divergences of views being narrowed down and certain consensuses reached.
Of course, the eventual “how” and “when” of executing any proposed reforms remains the onus of the successful candidate, and the devil is in the details. Even so, we expect the elected Legco members to deliver on their promises.
Now with the restoration of law and order, we can be assured of the preservation of “one country, two systems”, the continuity of Hong Kong’s capitalist market system, the sustainability of people’s livelihoods, and the safety and stability of our society.
Efforts to prevent external forces inciting subversion in Hong Kong and using the city as a base for anti-China activities have had a positive effect on our well-being overall.
We will continue to monitor the operations of the seventh-term Legislative Council. All council members are expected to expedite their efforts towards prioritising the livelihood issues confronting Hong Kong people, reforming the implementation of policies, raising the standard of governance, and ultimately achieving a fair and just environment for all professionals to excel.
Scarlett Pong Oi-lan, Wan Chai
