Last week’s rejection of the rental control mechanism, which would have granted the Chief Executive the power to restrict rent hikes, is now garnering mixed reactions.
While lawmakers Gabriel Tong and Zheng Anting were among those who proposed the law, both abstained from voting this particular article of the law.
AL Chairman Ho Iat Seng said that all lawmakers are at liberty to make their own judgments and may reconsider their vote after listening to various opinions.
“I think this is normal,” said Ho.
Ho said that Macau can work towards better transport between Macau and Zhuhai, in order to make it more appealing for local people to live in mainland China.
Lawmaker Chan Chak Mo said that lawmakers’ rejection of the mechanism will have no negative impact. He also expressed that rent should be allowed to increase steadily in order to create a better commercial environment.
Chan also said that some of the recent bill amendments proposed by lawmakers were impractical and could have been better researched.
One of the amendments establishes that landlords will be banned from canceling rental contracts within three years.
Chan believes that the law could make landlords add the rental price corresponding to the third year when signing contracts with tenants.
Lawmaker Song Pek Kei expressed her disappointment about the rejected proposal. “Some people changed their stance at the very last second. I believe they have their [own agendas].”
While she was disappointed in the outcome, Song also expressed her surprise when most of the other proposals were passed.
Lawmaker Cheang Chi Keong nevertheless believes that it is possible for the rejected law to be established in the future, once all sectors of society reach an agreement. He said that it would be best if the control mechanism was passed after lawmakers had expended significant time and effort on it.
Regarding his opinion on the outcome, Cheang said that he found it “quite good” as many of the amendments were still passed.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, was questioned about the rejected bill but declined to comment.
