At the LegCo meeting on 18 May, I moved a motion on actively dovetailing with the Qianhai Plan to expedite the integration into the overall development of the country. I urged the Government to set up a high-level dedicated structure to formulate a comprehensive strategy with new thinking and new vision; the Government should also allocate more resources to areas where we enjoy advantages, and discuss, together with Hong Kong’s relevant professional sectors, with Mainland government departments and counterparts to further relax the operation restrictions and requirements for Hong Kong professional services sectors to enter the Mainland market, so as to promote the diversified development of Hong Kong professional services sectors in the Mainland, thereby providing more employment and business start-up opportunities for new generations. Please view my motion via the following link: 

http://www.irdrwklo.hk/articlesview.asp?ClassID=2&ArticleID=812

 

2. Elected Deputy Chairman of Subcommittee to study the proposal for reorganizing the Government structure and related Matters

A subcommittee was set up to review the proposed new Government secretariat structure envisaged by the CE-elect, taking into account proposals prepared by the current-term Government, to be in place from 1 July 2022 to effect the transfer of statutory functions pursuant to the re-organisation proposal. I joined the subcommittee in May and was elected Deputy Chairman. 

 

3. Funding projects approved at the PWSC and FC meetings

At the FC meeting on 20 May, the allocation of $5.8 billion was approved for the construction of a District Court Building at Caroline Hill Road. Another allocation of $1.1 billion was approved to carry out site formation and infrastructure works to support the public housing development at Area 48, Fanling. 

 

At the PWSC meeting on 11 May, the funding request of $23.6 billion was approved for redevelopment of Prince of Wales Hospital; the funding request of $4.3 billion was approved for redevelopment of Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital; and the funding request of $9.9 billion was also approved for redevelopment of Grantham Hospital. The projects together with the others would be forwarded to the FC for final funding approval. 

 

4. Raised a question on development of Northern Metropolis

On 25 May, I asked the Government if it will set up a task force to be led by senior government management to remove red tape for handling matters relating to land resumption in the New Territories; whether the Government has examined different financing options as well as their merits and demerits; and whether the Government will discuss with the Shenzhen Municipal Government and the relevant Mainland authorities the various cross-boundary co-operation arrangements. Please view my question and the Government’s reply via the following link:

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/25/P2022052500285.htm?fontSize=3

 

5. Subcommittee on issues relating to the improvement of living conditions of the grass-roots tenants

A subcommittee was set up to review the implementation of the Government’s policies and measures to improve the living conditions of grass-roots tenants, monitor the works progress of transitional housing projects, and make recommendations on issues relating to the improvement of living conditions of grass-roots tenants. I joined the subcommittee and attended the first meeting on 15 May. 

 

6. Subcommittee to study policy issues relating to municipal solid waste charging, recovery and recycling

A subcommittee was set up to study issues relating to the implementation of the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 as well as policies on waste recovery and recycling, and make recommendations. The bill of the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 (Amendment Ordinance) to implement MSW charging was passed by the LegCo on 26 August 2021. The preparatory period of 18 months as a basic arrangement has begun. I joined the subcommittee in May. 

 

7. Visited Admiralty and Exhibition Centre Stations of East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension

On 6 May, I visited Admiralty and Exhibition Centre Stations of the East Rail Line (ERL) cross-harbour extension with some other LegCo members to better understand the station facilities and relevant arrangements before the commissioning on 15 May. During the visit, Members were also briefed on the challenges encountered during the construction of the ERL cross-harbour extension.