Bringing More Decorum to Legco

The Legco rules committee has new rules on clothing

Finally there will be more decorum in the Legislative Council when it comes to attire.

For a long time, some lawmakers, particularly pan-democratic ones, would come into the chambers dressed in jeans and T-shirts, or they had just finished playing tennis or golf.

Offenders like Long Hair may now be kicked out

Legco is a place where laws are debated and passed, so surely politicians should also respect the chamber and wear appropriate attire? In the United States, Canada, Japan, European parliament, United Nations and so on, everyone is dressed well to respect the room they are in.

On Friday, Legco's rules committee officially proposed a new requirement for lawmakers to dress up for council meetings, and those found not up to standard may risk being asked to leave.

That means no sportswear, jeans, or runners.

In addition, they may face the subjective scrutiny of the Legco president, who can decide if someone is dressed decently or not.

This dress code only applies to full council meetings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and it is assumed lawmakers can wear whatever they want at other times.

Lee Cheuk-yan in a T-shirt, now not acceptable

Another new rule is docking councillors' pay if they miss a meeting without good reason, and proceedings are adjourned due to a lack of quorum.

It is believed the amount would be one day's pay, which is HK$3,400. 

The amount may deter some, but not others who have deep pockets, but again this is for respecting other councillors' efforts, especially when they come in to vote.