Filibustering in HK
Political: Filibusters in the Legislative Council is not healthy for the development of Hong Kong
“President, I would like to request headcount.” This is a common sentence heard by the legislators during a meeting in the Legislative Council. It is an annoying act, attempting to hinder the agenda of Legco and thus, is an example of filibustering.
What is filibuster?
Filibuster is a method used by legislators to extend debates, delaying the roll call vote and even avoiding a bill or law to pass. Filibustering consist of different forms like legislators interrupting by endlessly asking questions, submitting thousands of amendments to be revised or talking about irrelevant bills. The history of this kind of procedure dates back to Ancient Rome under the rule of Julius Caesar. While in Hong Kong, the first filibuster incidence started in 1999 during the reading of the Provision of Municipal Services (Reorganization) Bill. (Wikipedia) Except in Hong Kong, other countries like Britain, USA and France also allow filibustering in the meetings of the parliament or senate. However, whether filibusters are effective is a debatable question.
Effectiveness
“Someone said that filibustering can catch the eyes of citizens and make more people to concern about topics which are ignored by them in usual. Even more, in the great discussions of filibustering can let more legislators think more clearly and deeply on the topic. Those may lead to a better decisions and solutions to the problems.”(Gregory Koger, “Political History of Obstruction”)
Recent issue
Filibustering has recently dominated our newspaper headlines and become a heated topic of debate in the city. One of the major filibuster took place in around February, when Financial Secretary John Tsang presented his budget speech. (Raymond So, “Filibustering in tactics”) Some political groups in the Legislative Council have been many saying the budget did not meet people 's
“President, I would like to request headcount.” This is a common sentence heard by the legislators during a meeting in the Legislative Council. It is an annoying act, attempting to hinder the agenda of Legco and thus, is an example of filibustering.
What is filibuster?
Filibuster is a method used by legislators to extend debates, delaying the roll call vote and even avoiding a bill or law to pass. Filibustering consist of different forms like legislators interrupting by endlessly asking questions, submitting thousands of amendments to be revised or talking about irrelevant bills. The history of this kind of procedure dates back to Ancient Rome under the rule of Julius Caesar. While in Hong Kong, the first filibuster incidence started in 1999 during the reading of the Provision of Municipal Services (Reorganization) Bill. (Wikipedia) Except in Hong Kong, other countries like Britain, USA and France also allow filibustering in the meetings of the parliament or senate. However, whether filibusters are effective is a debatable question.
Effectiveness
“Someone said that filibustering can catch the eyes of citizens and make more people to concern about topics which are ignored by them in usual. Even more, in the great discussions of filibustering can let more legislators think more clearly and deeply on the topic. Those may lead to a better decisions and solutions to the problems.”(Gregory Koger, “Political History of Obstruction”)
Recent issue
Filibustering has recently dominated our newspaper headlines and become a heated topic of debate in the city. One of the major filibuster took place in around February, when Financial Secretary John Tsang presented his budget speech. (Raymond So, “Filibustering in tactics”) Some political groups in the Legislative Council have been many saying the budget did not meet people 's
Cited: “Filibuster unpopular”, China Daily, 29 May, 2014. Web. July 22, 2014 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2014-05/29/content_17549071.htm Gregory Koger, “A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate”, 2010. Printed. July 22, 2014 Kahon Chan