[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As Hong Kong reverses its decision on universal COVID-19 testing for all citizens, a motion of no confidence against Chief Executive Carrie Lam is expected to be proposed.
On the 23rd, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "A pro-establishment lawmaker is considering filing a motion of no confidence against Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who overturned the universal COVID-19 testing policy."
If the motion, which is reportedly being prepared by lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, is submitted, it will be the first time since Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997 that a pro-establishment lawmaker has filed a no-confidence motion against the Chief Executive.
However, this move has yet to receive official approval. Even within the pro-establishment camp, including the two major parties, the stance so far has been one of cautious observation. According to SCMP, no lawmaker has publicly supported the no-confidence motion yet, and one lawmaker who requested anonymity dismissed it as a "political gimmick."
Ho, a lawyer and independent lawmaker, reportedly opposed Lam's suspension of universal testing, stating that various preparations, including new quarantine facilities supported by mainland Chinese authorities, have gone to waste.
At a press conference the previous day, he said, "I fully trust the central government, so I trust Hong Kong," while criticizing, "Businesses are struggling due to COVID-19 measures, but the government seems to have plenty of leeway."
He further accused the government of lacking overall foresight, planning, problem-solving ability, and decisiveness in facing the fifth wave of COVID-19. He also emphasized, "Chief Executive Lam must be held accountable."
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