If Hongkongers’ support for Legco is waning, it isn’t just lawmakers’ fault

Rita Fan, Hong Kong's inaugural post-handover Legislative Council president, recently disclosed that a friend suggested reducing the number of seats in the legislature to save money. Though not the primary concern, Fan acknowledged that public perception of lawmakers is a significant issue. The Legislative Council expanded from 60 to 90 seats between 2012 and 2021, with the addition seen as worthwhile, but there is a disconnect between public expectations and the performance of lawmakers.

Fan emphasized that lawmakers should behave with caution and avoid breaking the law, even in minor infractions. Recent misconduct by Legco members has eroded public trust, diminishing the council's perceived value. While misconduct has historically not been a factor in discussions about the legislature's size, it is an essential consideration.

The recent reduction in media attention from better-behaved lawmakers has led to issues like a disgruntled resident throwing paint at a district office going viral. A survey found that only 29.6% of respondents were satisfied with Legco's performance, with 50.6% dissatisfied. Unintended consequences of Chief Executive John Lee's approach to working with Legco, such as his speech on lawmakers' roles and his treatment of critical lawmakers, have contributed to the public's negative perception.