Lawmaker Albert Chan Wai-yip was among four pan-democrats escorted out of the Legislative Council chamber on Wednesday during Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s 2016 Policy Address as they protested over Lantau development, the disappearance of local publisher Lee Bo and other issues.
“689, do you know what Lantau is?… Are you human?… I am a Lantau resident, you are destroying Hong Kong!… You are shameless! Don’t you dare touch Lantau!” Chan shouted passionately as he was dragged out by security guards.
“689” became a nickname for the unpopular chief executive after he narrowly won the 2012 election with 689 votes out of 1,200.
Leung was announcing the government’s plan to transform Lantau Island into a “low carbon and smart” metropolis. The Lantau Development Advisory Committee proposed building “an economic and housing corridor at Northshore Lantau” as well as an “East Lantau Metropolis by constructing an artificial island near Kau Yi Chau”, Leung said. Meanwhile, Northeast Lantau is set to be used for leisure and entertainment.
“Most places in Lantau are rich in natural and cultural resources, but lack facilities,” Leung said.
Chan held up a protest sign with a picture of missing Hong Kong publisher Lee Bo on it as Leung walked into the chamber shortly after 11am. His concerns over the recent disappearance of Lee and his four colleagues at the Causeway Bay Bookstore were shared by Labour Party leader Lee Cheuk-yan.
“Where is Lee Bo? Why don’t you answer the Hong Kong people? This is the most important issue right now,” lawmaker Lee shouted before being escorted out. Later, three other legislators from his party walked out in protest.
Meanwhile, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung was asked to leave after he protested Hong Kong’s lack of “true democracy” and a universal pension system. The legislator carried a paper cut-out of a made-up animal – a combination of “cunning wolf” and “long nose” elephant – with “liar chief executive” written on it.
People Power’s Ray Chan Chi-chuen was the last to be removed from the chamber after he interrupted the Chief Executive as he was talking about the city’s law and order.
“The fact that Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world is attributed to our disciplined services, which are strongly committed to their duties…” Leung said.
“How can you talk about the safety of the city when Hong Kong people can be made disappear in Hong Kong?” Chan asked.
