Policy blowback shows why Hong Kong lawmakers must play bigger role

Hong Kong policies from Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures appear shaped with little legislative input. Former lawmaker and veteran unionist Chan Yuen-han called it irresponsible for officials to offer an option that could take a decade, describing the city's long reconstruction timelines as a joke and a sign it has not kept up with the mainland. Other voices have urged the government not to rule out this most challenging and time-consuming option.

This opinion piece argues that Hong Kong policies, from Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures, have been shaped with little legislative input, leading to policy blowback. Keywords include Tai Po fire, Chan Yuen-han, Hong Kong, Andrew Lam Siu-lo, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Legislative Council, Wang Fuk Court, Michael Wong Wai-lun, and Tai Po.

Former lawmaker and veteran unionist Chan Yuen-han said it was irresponsible of officials to offer an option that could take a decade and called the city’s long reconstruction time frames a joke, a sign Hong Kong has not kept up with the mainland. The piece urges lawmakers to play a bigger role in policy-making to prevent such issues. Other voices have also urged the government not to rule out this most challenging and time-consuming option.

The context involves discussions on Tai Po fire aftermath redevelopment and ICAC-related anti-bid-rigging efforts. Legislative Council members like Andrew Lam Siu-lo and Michael Wong Wai-lun may be involved in related debates. Published on January 19, 2026, the article calls for stronger legislative oversight to improve policy quality.

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