In a new series, outgoing lawmakers reflect on their time in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, which wrapped up its four-year term on October 24, ahead of the next general election on December 7.

General voters’ inability to directly nominate candidates under Hong Kong’s revamped “patriots-only” electoral system has fuelled public apathy towards the legislative process, according to outgoing lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, who urged new members to step up their efforts to gain public recognition.

While the political veteran warned that such indifference could prompt some residents to question the legislature’s ability in holding authorities accountable, he lauded the government for its improved lobbying efforts over the past four years in engaging lawmakers amid a more cordial executive-legislative relationship.

Tien, 75, who is retiring after 13 years in the Legislative Council, was among all 12 incumbents aged 70 or above who have announced that they will not run in the December 7 poll.

He denied having discussed the decision with Beijing officials, adding: “Lawmakers tend to cling to their seat, but I asked myself, is it good for Hong Kong if I seek re-election?”

He has chosen to pass the torch to Mark Chong Ho-fung, a member of the centrist Roundtable party he founded, who will contest his seat in New Territories North West.