HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (third from right), Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki (right), Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po (second from left), Convener of the Executive Council and lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee (third from left), President of the Legislative Concil Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen (second from right) and lawmaker Martin Liao Cheung Kong (left) toast during the spring luncheon of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Feb 23, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen on Friday picked 23 as Hong Kong’s lucky number in the Year of the Dragon, saying it is bound to bring speedy development to its economy and contentment to all its residents.
Addressing a LegCo spring luncheon, Leung said today is Feb 23 and lately lawmakers have been excited to hear about the number “23”.
Over 200 people attended the gathering, including senior government officials, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, members of the Executive Council, and lawmakers
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The number 23 has been making headlines in the city recently after the government began its monthlong public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, proposing to introduce a new piece of national security ordinance. The public consultation will end on Wednesday.
Leung also said among the 12 zodiac signs in Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes auspiciousness, wisdom and power. The mythical animal is also a symbol of the Chinese nation and reputedly can control the weather, Leung added.
President of the Legislative Concil Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen speaks during the spring luncheon of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Feb 23, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
“As a pearl of the dragon in the east, Hong Kong has privileged conditions for achieving diversified development, and will be able to further demonstrate the charm of the oriental dragon in the new year,” Leung said.
Leung wished Hong Kong people good health and prosperity for the country in the Year of the Dragon before concluding his speech.
Over 200 people attended the gathering, including senior government officials, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, members of the Executive Council, and lawmakers.
ALSO READ: Leung: HK's proposed Article 23 legislation fairer, less restrictive
Principal officials and lawmakers attend the spring luncheon of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Feb 23, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
The Legislative Council also held a toasting ceremony attended by the chief executive, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Justice Lam Ting-kwok, Convenor of the Executive Council Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and Chairwoman of LegCo’s House Committee Starry Lee Wai-king.
Prior to the luncheon, over 30 pupils from St Paul’s Primary Catholic School, using cello, viola and Chinese instruments such as pipa and yangqin, performed two pieces of music for the guests at the LegCo Complex’s Main Lobby.
