The Government published in the Gazette today (July 8) the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025.

     In light of the Legislative Council (LegCo)'s improvement to the system on the performance of duties by LegCo Members, the introduction of the Code for Members of the Legislative Council, and corresponding amendments to be made to the Rules of Procedure (RoP), in accordance with the LegCo's proposal, the Government will introduce the Bill, which aims to amend the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance (Cap. 382) to provide for imposing financial penalties on LegCo Members suspended under the RoP from the service of the LegCo due to a breach of the Code.  

     "The Government supports the LegCo's proposal on improving the system on the performance of duties by Members. At present, the deprivation of LegCo Members' remuneration and allowance in respect of the period of suspension provided under the Ordinance is only applicable to cases of engaging in grossly disorderly conduct. According to the LegCo's proposal, in future, Members who have breached the Code and are suspended under the RoP will also be subject to the same deprivation of remuneration and allowance. The amendments will also provide flexibility to the LegCo to cater for deprivation of remuneration and allowance of Members suspended from the service of the LegCo for other reasons under the RoP as approved by the LegCo in future. Once the Bill is passed by the LegCo, it will take effect starting from the Eighth-Term LegCo in tandem with the Code and the amended RoP. 

     "The Government fully appreciates the initiatives taken by the LegCo to enhance self-regulation and self-improvement as well as transparency of the LegCo's operation. The amendments to the Ordinance will facilitate the LegCo in striving for continual improvement, thereby optimising the contribution of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'," a Government spokesman said.

     The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading tomorrow (July 9).

Ends/Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:15

NNNN