The first meeting of the new session of Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) started on Wednesday morning, focusing on the topic of the "Occupy Central" movement and its recent activities. It was Day 18 of the "Occupy Cebtral" gathering, and LegCo set up two speical committees to conduct a full investigation into the protest.

Like Us on Facebook

Council members Tam Yiu-chung and Ip Kwok-him from Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong submitted petitions in which they concentrated on the "Occupy Central" that begun on Sept. 28 including the organization and planning, the source of the funds, and the severe influence it has brought to Hong Kong society.

They also called on the LegCo to conduct a full investigation into the protest. With the support from 37 members, the special committee was set up to conduct investigation.

Meanwhile, another petition submitted by council members Sin Chung-kai and Kwok Ka-ki asking for an investigation into the policy taken in dealing with the "Occupy Central" was passed with the support from 25 Council members.

Undersecretary for Security in Hong Kong Lai Tung-kwok elaborated on the issue. 

"According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong residents have the right to hold peaceful gatherings, demonstrations and protests. However, they can't interrupt public order or ignore laws on purpose when they exercise the rights. Police, as the guardian of public order, will take action in accordance with laws under any circumstances. They will adopt decisive measures based on the situation of the time to maintain public order and secure public security if they spot actions that violate laws, social peace or public order," said Lai. 

"Hong Kong police is a very professional and excellent disciplinary force. The front-line police have always been striving for maintaining their position in the actions in past days," Lai stressed his support to the Hong Kong police.

The LegCo session was scheduled for Oct. 8 but was delayed by a week because members worried about safety issues since the protesters had occupied the streets around the LegCo buildings.

The Chief Executive's Question and Answer Session, which was scheduled for Thursday, will be postponed for Tuesday.