Most of Hong Kong’s legislators demonstrated strong commitment during a recent week-long study visit to Beijing, with 88 out of 89 members attending, reflecting a notable effort to deepen their understanding of national developments and Hong Kong’s role within them.

Lawmaker Stanley Ng Chau-pei described the trip as a “ground-breaking opportunity” for legislators to engage with national affairs, a sentiment echoed by observers who see value in ongoing education for lawmakers. The delegation, which convened amid the summer recess and shortly after intensive legislative review of the Huanggang Port bill, was characterized in media reports as a “class,” with group photos likened to those of students on excursions.

While attendance rates have generally improved compared to previous years, challenges remain in terms of active participation. An administrative report from 2023 highlighted that during the 2022 legislative year, at least two-thirds of bills were passed with less than half of the council present, raising concerns about quorum adherence and engagement standards. This prompted the previous Legislative Council to adopt a code of conduct mandating that lawmakers attend meetings diligently and actively participate in votes, setting a formal baseline for legislative discipline.

Current figures indicate progress: about 70 percent of first-term legislators have maintained full attendance at general meetings, the House Committee, and the Finance Committee since assuming office in January. However, these newcomers have raised fewer questions during sessions compared to more experienced colleagues, averaging approximately four questions each over seven months. Notably, six legislators submitted two or fewer questions during this period. Alan Chan Chung-yee, representing the Election Committee constituency, submitted only one question, citing a focus on in-depth research, while Vivian Kong Man-wai, a former athlete and legislator, pledged to increase her inquiries, noting the need to prioritize emerging issues responsibly.

Public expectations for legislative performance extend beyond attendance and voting; lawmakers are urged to demonstrate substantive engagement with policy issues. Lau Siu-kai, consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, defended first-term legislators’ slower start by suggesting they require time to identify focus areas. However, some critics argue that given the competitive electoral process and a four-year term limit, seven months should suffice to establish legislative priorities, especially in light of pressing city-wide initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis development emphasized by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Lau also speculated that new legislators may feel pressure adapting to the council’s discipline system, potentially causing hesitancy. Observers caution that unlike university students who may have phased introductions to responsibilities, lawmakers must begin contributing fully from the outset. Excessive leniency could undermine efforts to restore public trust in Hong Kong’s legislature.

The recent mainland study tour is viewed as a positive step, but lawmakers face ongoing demands to move beyond foundational engagement and deliver impactful legislative work without being treated as novices.