Ir Dr The Hon Lo Wai Kwok
WK Lo's LegCo Express
Co-location arrangement of Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
On 27 December 2017, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved the co-operation arrangement between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. This signifies the accomplishment of the second step in the "Three-step process" to provide a firm legal basis for the implementation of the co-location arrangement. The Government will introduce the related draft Bill to the LegCo no later than early February 2018.
Amendments to the LegCo's Rules of Procedure
On 15 December 2017, the LegCo passed the 24 amendment proposals to the LegCo's Rules of Procedure, tabled by the pro-establishment camp, with 37 votes for, 12 against and one abstention. The amendments prevent the premature adjournment of meetings, owing to low attendance, by reconvening the meeting later at a time decided by the President. Another amendment is to prevent debates over how long bell periods should be ahead of votes. In addition, the amendments suggest the number of lawmakers needed to form a select committee by standing petition should be raised from 20 to 35. On 14 December 2017, together with other LegCo Members, I received the appeal letter from District Members who expressed their supports to the amendments.
Major funding requests approved by the FC and PWSC
On 13 December, the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) endorsed a funding request of HK$0.59 billion for the road improvement and associated works at Ma On Shan. Subject to the funding approval of the Finance Committee (FC), the Government plans to commence the construction works in mid-2018 for completion in late 2021. On 5 January 2018, the FC approved a funding request of HK$3.6 billion to carry out the third stage of the construction works of the integrated basement to dovetail the phased implementation of the West Kowloon Cultural District and support its early development projects, especially the commissioning of the Lyric Theatre Complex. The integrated basement is targeted for completion in phases by around 2021.
Consultation Paper on Review of Electoral Arrangements
The Consultation Paper on Review of Electoral Arrangements was published on 13 November 2017 to seek views on issues related to the regulation of online election advertisements, and the regulation of election surveys and polling hours. I submitted my views to the Government and suggested shortening polling hours by one hour by putting off the start time, as well as making the end time earlier in order to release work stress of all participants.
Raised an oral question regarding the development of smart city for Hong Kong
The Government released the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong in December 2017. In this connection, I raised an oral question on 10 January 2018 and asked the Government on the use of the Territorial Population and Employment Data Matrix, implementation of smart city in new development areas, and the progress of installation of Wi-Fi hotspots under Wi-Fi.HK. To view my question and the Government's reply, please visit the website at http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201801/10/P2018011000588.htm?fontSize=1
Participated in the HKIE Concert 2017
I joined the HKIE Concert 2017 held on 9 December 2017 and enjoyed the performance with bands made up of Past Presidents, members of the HKIE Divisions, government officials and academics. The two bands I joined won the Best Costume Prize and Facebook Popular Prize respectively. This concert not only demonstrated the musical talent of engineers to the public, but also promoted a healthy work-life balance for members on a fun-filled occasion.
On 27 December 2017, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved the co-operation arrangement between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. This signifies the accomplishment of the second step in the "Three-step process" to provide a firm legal basis for the implementation of the co-location arrangement. The Government will introduce the related draft Bill to the LegCo no later than early February 2018.
Amendments to the LegCo's Rules of Procedure
On 15 December 2017, the LegCo passed the 24 amendment proposals to the LegCo's Rules of Procedure, tabled by the pro-establishment camp, with 37 votes for, 12 against and one abstention. The amendments prevent the premature adjournment of meetings, owing to low attendance, by reconvening the meeting later at a time decided by the President. Another amendment is to prevent debates over how long bell periods should be ahead of votes. In addition, the amendments suggest the number of lawmakers needed to form a select committee by standing petition should be raised from 20 to 35. On 14 December 2017, together with other LegCo Members, I received the appeal letter from District Members who expressed their supports to the amendments.
Major funding requests approved by the FC and PWSC
On 13 December, the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) endorsed a funding request of HK$0.59 billion for the road improvement and associated works at Ma On Shan. Subject to the funding approval of the Finance Committee (FC), the Government plans to commence the construction works in mid-2018 for completion in late 2021. On 5 January 2018, the FC approved a funding request of HK$3.6 billion to carry out the third stage of the construction works of the integrated basement to dovetail the phased implementation of the West Kowloon Cultural District and support its early development projects, especially the commissioning of the Lyric Theatre Complex. The integrated basement is targeted for completion in phases by around 2021.
Consultation Paper on Review of Electoral Arrangements
The Consultation Paper on Review of Electoral Arrangements was published on 13 November 2017 to seek views on issues related to the regulation of online election advertisements, and the regulation of election surveys and polling hours. I submitted my views to the Government and suggested shortening polling hours by one hour by putting off the start time, as well as making the end time earlier in order to release work stress of all participants.
Raised an oral question regarding the development of smart city for Hong Kong
The Government released the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong in December 2017. In this connection, I raised an oral question on 10 January 2018 and asked the Government on the use of the Territorial Population and Employment Data Matrix, implementation of smart city in new development areas, and the progress of installation of Wi-Fi hotspots under Wi-Fi.HK. To view my question and the Government's reply, please visit the website at http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201801/10/P2018011000588.htm?fontSize=1
Participated in the HKIE Concert 2017
I joined the HKIE Concert 2017 held on 9 December 2017 and enjoyed the performance with bands made up of Past Presidents, members of the HKIE Divisions, government officials and academics. The two bands I joined won the Best Costume Prize and Facebook Popular Prize respectively. This concert not only demonstrated the musical talent of engineers to the public, but also promoted a healthy work-life balance for members on a fun-filled occasion.