Speaking record does not fully reflect lawmakers’ work, Hong Kong legislature president writes in op-ed rebuttal

LegCo President Starry Lee has penned an op-ed rebuttal to a recent media report that claimed some lawmakers in Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) had never spoken at certain committee meetings. The report, published by Ming Pao, found that at least 17 lawmakers had a speaking record of zero for meetings of more than one committee, including prominent members such as Adrian Ho and Dominic Lee from the New People's Party, and Grace Chan, a social welfare lawmaker.

In response to the report, Lee emphasized that the speaking record of lawmakers does not fully capture the depth and breadth of their work within the legislature. She explained that lawmakers from the same political party often divide their tasks during plenary sessions and committee meetings to avoid repetition, a practice known as "division of labour" which is not only common in LegCo but also serves to increase legislative efficiency.

Lee noted that this division of labor is explicitly encouraged by the LegCo's Rules of Procedure, which were amended in 2017 to discourage repetitive statements and prevent filibustering.

Lee stressed that the role of a lawmaker extends far beyond merely speaking on the record. They engage in daily dialogues with government officials and the public, handle numerous complaints and requests for assistance, and participate in various official, industry, or community events. She argued that the "invisible work" that lawmakers perform, which cannot be seen by the public, is arguably more demanding and crucial than their formal speeches in meetings.

The veteran lawmaker, who was first elected in 2008 and became LegCo President in 2026, urged the public to evaluate lawmakers' speeches based on quality rather than quantity. The current legislative term in Hong Kong began in January 2026, following an electoral overhaul imposed by Beijing in 2021. This overhaul has significantly reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control over elections, and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates.

While Beijing claims that these changes ensure the city's stability and prosperity, the new measures have been met with international condemnation, as much of Hong Kong's traditional opposition remains behind bars, in self-exile, or has quit politics altogether.