WK Lo’s LegCo Express
Jan 2017
1. Response to the Policy Address 2017
The Chief Executive delivered his Policy Address 2017 on 18 Jan and brought forward a number of specific proposals in the areas of innovation and technology, infrastructure, lands and housing supply, environmental protection and conservation, etc. I urged the Government to effectively implement these policies and measures and continue to allocate resources, in particular for those regarding housing and land supply issues. I am against the abolition of the MPF offsetting mechanism as this will surely add to the financial burden of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). I opine that the Government should consider setting up a separate scheme for employment protection.
2. Approved the infrastructure works for public housing developments in Tai Po
A HK$1.14 billion public housing project that will provide 7,000 flats in five years in Tai Po was approved by the Public Works Subcommittee on 25 Jan. The project was approved with 23 votes, two votes were against it and 10 abstained after spending close to 8 hours meeting time. Subject to final funding approval of the Finance Committee, the Government plans to commence the construction works in mid-2017. The housing developments at Chung Nga Road East site and Tai Po Area 9 site will be completed in two phases from 2020 to 2022. The Government estimates that the proposed works will create 400 jobs (320 for labourers and another 80 for professional or technical staff) providing a total employment of 13000 man-months.
3. Chairman Report on the Subcommittee on Construction Workers Registration (Exemption) Regulation and Construction Workers Registration Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 1A)
As the Chairman of the Subcommittee, I delivered a report at the LegCo meeting on 8 Feb. The administration provides exemption in three aspects including emergency construction work, small-scale construction work, and persons already exempted under other specified ordinances. The administration amended Schedule 1 by adding three trade divisions, namely, false ceiling installer, partition (metal frame) installer and cable jointer (dead cable), and amended Schedule 1A to provide for the relevant work across arrangements, and to provide relevant transitional provisions. Most of the provisions will come into operation on 1 April 2017. The Subcommittee did not propose any amendment.
4. Subcommittee on Members’ Remuneration and Operating Expenses Reimbursement
I joined the Subcommittee on Members’ Remuneration and Operating Expenses Reimbursement which held its first meeting on 20 Jan. A major task of the Subcommittee is to review the level of remuneration and operating expenses reimbursement for LegCo members and make proposals for consideration by the Independent Commission on Remuneration for Members of the Executive Council and the Legislature, and Officials under the Political Appointment System of the HKSAR.
5. Met the CE candidates
Over the past few days, together with other LegCo members from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, I have met the CE candidates and listened to their respective election platforms. I expect the CE candidates would push forward economic development and try to benefit local communities. The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong would make a final decision after examining the contenders' platforms.
6. LegCo Panel on Economic Development visited Civil Aviation Department
The Panel on Economic Development conducted a visit to the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) on 19 Jan to better understand the operation of the new Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) after its full commissioning. Members received a briefing on the key features of the new ATMS by representatives of CAD and visited the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Centre and the ATC Tower to observe the real operations. Members also took the opportunity to visit the Radar Simulator and the ATC Tower Simulator to have a better understanding on using the new system. Members exchanged views with the representatives of CAD on the recent incidents relating to the operation of the new ATMS as well as aviation safety.
7. Took part in the New Year float parade
On 30 Jan, I joined the New Year float parade with other LegCo members and district members of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong to greet the citizens. I showed up as the Chinese legendary Gods of Wealth and Prosperity to distribute “lai-see” (red packets) to residents. I dressed up in the celestial costume and played the saxophone with the wish to bring fun, fortune and happiness to the community.
"