Hong Kong- During a recent meeting of the Legislative Council, yet another lawmaker encountered a moment of embarrassment involving Election Committee constituency legislator, Doreen Kong Yuk-foon. In this particular meeting regarding the “Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025,” Kong posed a question to the Transport Department concerning measures to assist individuals with disabilities. However, she appeared to have made an error in her inquiry by asking, “For electronic driver’s licenses, have you considered what convenience they offer to people with disabilities, especially the blind?”

The committee of the Legislative Council recently convened to deliberate on amendments to the “Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025,” which includes the implementation of electronic driver’s licenses. During her remarks, Ms. Kong highlighted that individuals with disabilities frequently have unique methods for applying for various licenses. She inquired whether the introduction of electronic driver’s licenses has taken into account particular conveniences for individuals with disabilities, especially the visually impaired.

Duncan Chiu , the legislator representing the Innovation and Technology constituency, who was positioned in front of Kong, promptly turned around and inquired, “Blind people know how to drive?” Kong swiftly corrected herself, stating, “Oh, right, I’m dead. Blind people… I used the wrong example. Not blind people, other people with disabilities.” The other legislators present were unable to restrain their laughter.

Doreen Kong Yuk-foon, a practising lawyer, entered the Legislative Council via the Election Committee constituency, primarily made up of pro-establishment members. Before her career in legislation, Kong gained recognition for her candid perspectives on social topics and her involvement in community initiatives. She frequently advocated for policies designed to enhance the well-being of everyday citizens and has been an outspoken advocate regarding social welfare and public services.

Kong addressed the incident on social media later that evening, articulating her observation that the original Road Traffic Ordinance included specific provisions for driver’s licenses pertaining to individuals with disabilities. She indicated her inquiry regarding whether the new electronic driver’s licenses had adequately considered the requirements of individuals with disabilities. Moreover, she acknowledged that her attention was predominantly directed towards the provisions for individuals with disabilities, which inadvertently led her to reference blind individuals as an example. She promptly rectified this error during the meeting, to which the authorities responded appropriately. Additionally, she noted that her colleagues assisted in correcting her at that moment, and she shared a light-hearted laugh in response. Kong expressed that if the incident caused any discomfort, she extends her sincerest apologies and is committed to improving her approach in the future.