AL to debate buses and Hato-related matters

Four motions were passed at the AL yesterday to discuss matters such as increase in bus fares, the government’s blame during Typhoon Hato, and the future of the border gate bus terminal.

Lei Cheng I proposed for the AL to debate on the government’s plan for increasing bus fares and Macau’s public transportation priority policies.

Mak Soi Kun said that the “government needs to first supervise the bus service and only then talk about increasing the fares.”

Agnes Lam noted that this proposal “contradicts the government’s policy stating that public transportation is a priority.”

Ng Kuok Cheong proposed that the AL should debate issues related to Typhoon Hato, in particular addressing the government’s responsibility involved with the disaster.

Both Chan Wa Keong and Fong felt that the government did enough to confront Hato. “The society requires accountability,” said Au Kan Sam. The motion was backed by 16 votes.

Sulu Sou proposed the AL should debate how the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) needs to improve the weather warning system and its internal management.

Ma Chi Seng recalled that the government had already taken several measures regarding Typhoon Hato, and that therefore it was unnecessary for the AL to debate it again. However, the motion was passed with 14 votes in favor and 13 against.

AL Chairman Ho Iat Seng proposed the debate of both bus fares and Hato should be done without separating them into two different discussions, because they concern the same topic.

Another debate proposed by Sulu Sou was also passed. Sou proposed a discussion of the border gate bus terminal’s development and also suggested the government should stop its reconstruction works.

Several lawmakers, including Chan Chak Mo and Wu Chou Kit, voiced their support towards Sou’s proposal, mainly because the border gate bus terminal has a history of different problems, even before entering the recent reconstruction stage.