Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also says she cannot see a need to adjust the boundaries at this stage
Under proposed legislation comprising six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China, the city’s leader and the Executive Council will be empowered to adjust its boundaries, including expanding or cutting its area.
The proposal has raised concerns that boundaries could be changed too easily and without proper oversight.
“The proposed legislation will state that the chief executive and the Executive Council need to seek approval from the Legislative Council when they want to adjust the boundaries,” Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho told lawmakers on Tuesday, addressing the concerns.
She told Legco’s development panel meeting that she “could not see a need to adjust the boundaries of the Northern Metropolis at this stage”.
The project’s boundaries on a map would be clearly delineated and shown in the future, she added.
Facts Only
Actors: Chief Executive, Executive Council, Legislative Council, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho
Actions/Events: Proposing legislation to adjust the boundaries of the Northern Metropolis; Empowering city's leader and the Executive Council to adjust its boundaries; Requiring approval from the Legislative Council when adjusting boundaries
Locations: Hong Kong, mainland China
Institutions: Government, Legislative Council
Executive Summary
Full Take
Under the proposed legislation, the Chief Executive and the Executive Council would have the power to expand or cut the area of the Northern Metropolis without clear guidelines or oversight mechanisms in place. This raises concerns about potential misuse of this power, as it could lead to unchecked development and potential harm to local communities and the environment. It is crucial for the Legislative Council to exercise careful oversight over any boundary adjustments, ensuring that they are made transparently and with the public's best interests in mind.
Patterns detected: ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey, ARC-0024 Ambiguity
Sentinel — Human
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