Rita Fan re-elected as Legco president

Former President of the Legislative Council Rita Fan was today (October 6) re-elected to the post at the legislature's first meeting after last month's election.

Mrs Fan defeated Albert Ho from the Democratic Party by 34 votes to 25.

Speaking after her re-election, Mrs Fan said she would continue to remain impartial in observing the rules of the Legislative Council. She also appealed to members to work together to resolve difficult and sensitive issues such as Hong Kong's constitutional development.

In a surprise result, Frontier legislator Emily Lau was elected chairman of the council's Finance Committee. Ms Lau beat incumbent Philip Wong by 30 votes to 28.

The Liberal Party's Miriam Lau was re-elected chairman of the house committee without contest.

Ends/Wednesday, October 6, 2004