On Tuesday, the first session of 63 deputations about the just-introduced anti-idling ordinance was marked by the unprecedented appearance of 2 students from major international schools, Canadian International and Chinese International, who implored lawmakers to protect their health instead of subordinating society’s interests to narrow constituencies’ demands.
The impassioned, surprisingly eloquent speeches from students, Talia Stender of Chinese International School and Cecilia Chan of Canadian International School, were vivid highlights against a monotonous backdrop of complaints from taxi and commercial vehicle associations who claimed that the ordinance, without more generous exemptions for the transport trade, was “inhumane.”
The SCMP provided an accurate summary of the proceedings in yesterday’s paper (subscription-only). You can also read a summary of the deputations, both for and against the ordinance, on our website.
Due to an unexpectedly large number of requests to make an appearance, deputations will continue on Monday.
