Hong Kong Lawmakers May 18: 30 Departing Legislators Distribute HK$9.4M Bonuses

Hong Kong’s legislative changeover on May 18 revealed a significant controversy involving departing lawmakers and staff bonuses. According to reports, 30 non-reelected legislators distributed approximately HK$9.4 million in bonuses and gratuities to 157 parliamentary assistants. The practice raised serious questions about the appropriate use of public funds. Former legislator Ma Fung-kwo drew particular scrutiny for awarding HK$264,000 to his aide, equivalent to six months’ salary. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about fiscal responsibility and transparency in Hong Kong’s government spending practices.

Legislative Transition Sparks Bonus Controversy

Hong Kong’s 2026 legislative reshuffle resulted in 40 lawmakers losing their seats, requiring their assistants to seek new employment. Thirty departing legislators collectively distributed HK$9.4 million in bonuses to 157 staff members, according to December 2025 office expense filings. The payments ranged significantly, with some assistants receiving substantial sums while others received modest amounts. This practice immediately drew criticism from remaining lawmakers questioning the legitimacy of such discretionary spending.

Ma Fung-kwo’s Controversial Payment

Former legislator Ma Fung-kwo distributed nearly HK$700,000 to five staff members, with his aide Shi Junxing receiving HK$264,000—six times his monthly salary of HK$44,000. Shi Junxing, who also serves as a Yuanlong district councillor, faced legal troubles related to alleged sexual misconduct with minors. The substantial bonus to an aide involved in serious legal matters intensified public scrutiny over the appropriateness of such payments and raised questions about accountability in government spending.

Lawmakers Defend and Criticize the Practice

Former legislator Tian Beichen, who stepped down during the same transition, publicly opposed the bonus distribution practice. He argued that parliamentary assistants already receive contractual severance payments, making additional bonuses from public funds inappropriate. Tian emphasized that if lawmakers wished to reward employees, they should use personal funds rather than government resources. His stance reflected broader concerns about fiscal discipline and the proper use of taxpayer money in Hong Kong’s government.

Other Notable Cases in the Bonus Distribution

Another departing legislator, Shang Hailong, who served only three years after winning a 2022 by-election, distributed HK$494,000 in bonuses to staff members. One assistant received HK$200,000 in gratuity payments. These cases demonstrated the wide variation in bonus amounts across different lawmakers’ offices. The pattern raised questions about consistency and fairness in how departing legislators allocated public resources to their teams during the transition period.

Final Thoughts

The May 18 controversy over Hong Kong lawmakers’ bonus distributions reveals significant concerns about fiscal accountability and public fund management during legislative transitions. While departing legislators justified payments as compensation for staff displacement, critics argue such discretionary bonuses exceed standard severance practices and misuse government resources. The debate underscores the need for clearer guidelines governing how public funds are allocated during political transitions, ensuring transparency and fairness in government spending.

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