January 2, 2024
HONG KONG – All 470 members of the seventh-term District Councils took their oath on Monday to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the oath-taking ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Central Government Offices and congratulated the DC members on their taking of oaths and assumption of office, according to an HKSAR government statement.
Lee said he also expected the DC members to facilitate the government in implementing its policies in the districts, strengthening district governance to build a better Hong Kong together
Lee outlined four requirements for DC members: Upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the HKSAR; ensuring effective communication between the government and the people by serving as a connection between the two; implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” at the district governance level and upholding the important duty of safeguarding national security; and adopting a people-oriented approach to bring tangible improvements to the community.
Lee said he also expected the DC members to facilitate the government in implementing its policies in the districts, strengthening district governance to build a better Hong Kong.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen served as the oath administrator as authorized by the Chief Executive.
According to the Interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (the Interpretation), the person administering the oath has the duty to ensure that the oath is taken in a lawful manner.
Based on the principles laid down by the Interpretation and the relevant legal provisions, Mak determined that the oaths taken by all 470 DC members were valid, according to the statement.
Ng Sing-wah, a district councilor from Kwun Tong District vowed that during his four-year term, he will pay more attention to grassroots families. He also pledged to live up to the expectations of the central government and act as a facilitator for effective communication between the SAR government and the public.
Kam Man-fung, chairman of the Tuen Mun Fire Safety Committee and a district councilor from Tuen Mun District Committees constituency said that he would abide by his oath, uphold the Basic Law, and serve the public with integrity.
Kam added that he will support the work of the government’s Community Care Teams. He will also establish his office soon for residents to seek help and reflect their opinions on district works.
Sung Ping-ping from the Wu Tip Shan constituency in North District highlighted the importance of addressing residents’ concerns in areas such as education, healthcare, and social welfare through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The seventh-term District Councils comprise of 470 members, including 179 appointed members designated by the chief executive; 176 elected by the District Committees constituencies; 88 chosen by electors in various District Council geographical constituencies; and 27 chairs of Rural Committees of the respective districts.
The SAR held its District Council ordinary elections on Dec 10, the first district-level polls after the city improved its electoral system in 2021.