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Matthew Cheng

The Hong Kong government has indicated that it is unlikely to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy left by former lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai’s resignation over his drink-driving and hit-and-run case, citing time constraints and concerns about cost-effectiveness.
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa also said on Saturday that the government had received 2,500 submissions during a public consultation on the city’s first five-year plan, with nearly half focusing on livelihood issues.
Wong, one of the 40 legislators elected by the 1,500-strong Election Committee, resigned from the legislature earlier this month after crashing his car into two parked vehicles at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and hit-and-run.
Asked whether a by-election would be held, Tse hinted that it would be highly improbable, citing a tight timeline, as the current Election Committee’s term ends in October.
“When we consider holding a by-election, we have to look at the timing and consider the public’s [perception] of cost-effectiveness,” Tse told a radio programme.
“The current Election Committee’s term ends on October 21. Should we ask them to organise a Legco by-election just when their term is about to expire … for the time being, the Electoral Affairs Commission does not think [a by-election] needs to be considered.”
But she added that discussions on the matter were still in progress.
An election is scheduled for November to choose the new Election Committee, which will take office in February next year and whose 1,500 members will vote in the chief executive election in March.
Tse also noted that the district council election was slated for late next year.
“We will hold two major elections within one year. Is it really necessary and cost-effective to hold a by-election for a single seat?” she said.
“Of course, everything depends on the urgency and importance. A Legco seat is important, but is it urgent?”

A Legco seat was left vacant for about three years during the previous term following the departure of Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, also an Election Committee constituency lawmaker, who left to join the government as head of its think tank in late 2022. No by-election was held before the end of the term.
Separately, Tse said the government had conducted more than 30 consultation sessions on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, more than 10 of which were attended by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
Tse highlighted that the government received about 2,500 online submissions, of which 1,200 were related to livelihood issues, while the rest concerned the Northern Metropolis and the development of the innovation and technology sector.
The government would analyse and compile the views using artificial intelligence, she added.
Last month, the government launched a two-month public consultation on the city’s first five-year plan, with the aim of publishing the blueprint in the third quarter.
City leader Lee previously described it as a “historic milestone” and a strategic road map that would align Hong Kong with the national 15th five-year plan.
The blueprint is expected to outline the city’s vision for the Northern Metropolis, the advancement of innovation and technology, and the development of finance, shipping and trade.


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Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong unlikely to hold Legco by-election for seat vacated by William Wong

William Wong has become the first lawmaker to resign from the Legislative Council over a scandal in more than two decades. Photo: Handout

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse (centre) says authorities received 2,500 submissions during a public consultation on the city’s first five-year plan, with nearly half on livelihood issues. Photo: Karma Lo

Legco could tighten members’ code after William Wong drink-driving case: Starry Lee

William Wong resigned as a lawmaker on Friday. Photo: Handout

Police chief Joe Chow says William Wong’s case is still under investigation. Photo: Elson Li

Lawmaker William Wong says sorry after arrest over CUHK drink-driving crash

Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong attends a handover anniversary event on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

The accident happened at a Chinese University car park. Photo: Jonathan Wong

William Wong becomes first to resign from Legco over scandal in 26 years

Lawmaker William Wong has also been suspended by CUHK. Photo: Handout

The previous lawmaker to resign over a scandal was Gary Cheng, who quit shortly after winning a seat in September 2000. Photo: SCMP

News

Hong Kong

Politics

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse cites time constraints and cost-effectiveness concerns


Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse cites time constraints and cost-effectiveness concerns.


Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Legco)

Hong Kong elections

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong unlikely to hold Legco by-election for seat vacated by William Wong

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse cites time constraints and cost-effectiveness concerns

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse cites time constraints and cost-effectiveness concerns