2011 - 遞補方案及拉布 Filibustering

Background:

After the De-facto Referendum, the government proposed a bill to prevent the reuse of the same tactic by forbidding LegCo members to participate in by-elections after resigning. Possible solutions include filling the vacancy by the losing candidate with most votes, or the next candidate on the resigning legislator's list, in the previous election.

Details:

The proposal was opposed by the pro-democracy camp, which questioned its feasibility and fairness. The manner in which the government handled the bill was also criticized. For example, only two months were allowed between the government's introduction of the proposal and its desired passing date. LegCo members Albert Chan and Wong Yuk-man filibustered to delay the voting of the bill for a month before it was passed.

Consequences:

Filibustering became an increasingly common tactic to obstruct legislations. This included the use of other tactics such as taking quorum calls. The society was divided on whether they support such actions. Supporters argued that filibustering could raise public attention on the issue and pressurize the government to review or withdraw unpopular proposals. Those who opposed criticized it is a waste of time and money and will delay the handling of other important bills.

News Report from South China Morning Post, 24 June 2011

News Report from South China Morning Post, 30 November 2012

Pro-Beijing commentary, Wen Wei Po, 02 July 2011 (Chinese) (English-translated)

Pro-Democracy commentary, Apple Daily, 05 September 2011 (Chinese) (English-translated)