Legco to deepen rule of law with constitution at core

Legislative Council President Starry Lee said that upholding the Constitution as the core of the legal system is key to deepening the rule of law and enhancing the quality and efficiency of Hong Kong's legislation.

Lee made the remarks on Thursday during a continued study tour in Beijing, where she and fellow lawmakers attended a special lecture on improving the "Socialist System of Laws with Chinese Characteristics" — a framework built around the Constitution's central role.

In a social media post, Lee reflected on the lecture's content, which traced the gradual formation of this system and the establishment of the national legislative structure under the National People's Congress.

"This system has consistently played a vital role in enabling the country to achieve the two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability," she wrote.

"We also gained a profound understanding that ensuring the people's position as masters of the country, driving reform, fostering development and safeguarding good governance are all characteristics and advantages of China's legislative system."

Lee stressed that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the state.

"Only by upholding the Constitution's central position in the national legal system and ensuring that all legislative, law enforcement, and judicial activities operate within the constitutional framework can the rule of law advance steadily and enduringly," she wrote.

The lecture also highlighted recent legislative progress, including strengthened laws in areas such as ecological civilisation and intellectual property rights.

It also noted significant advances in constitutional review of laws and filing review mechanisms.

Looking ahead, Lee said she would continue working with fellow lawmakers to strengthen the SAR's legislative capacity and effectiveness, while also increasing exchanges and communication with mainland legislative bodies.

Edited by Tony Sabine ...