The new Legislative Council term officially begins on Thursday, and all 90 lawmakers swore an oath of allegiance at a ceremony in Legco officiated by Chief Executive John Lee.

Incumbents and newcomers took their oaths in their order of seniority, beginning with Starry Lee of the DAB.

Seven were told to repeat their pledges by Legco secretary general Dora Wai.

Six of them - including re-elected members Junius Ho, Michael Lee, Stanley Ng, and Judy Chan, as well as newcomers Lee Kwong-yu and Michelle Tang - were told part of their statements had been unclear.

Another member, Chan Wing-kwong, meanwhile, initially forgot to raise his right hand.

All but one of the 90 opted to take their oaths in Cantonese.

Following the ceremony, the chief executive laid out what was expected of the new Legco members.

"'Patriots administering Hong Kong' is more than a slogan. We have to implement this principle in everything we do," Lee said.

"Legco should operate in a rational, professional and constructive manner so that we can have highly productive and efficient policy discussions."

Lee urged the legislators to comply with the code of conduct, adding that they should offer advice to the government and not simply be "commentators".

He also urged them to be mindful of people's needs, the country's interests and global perspectives when discussing policies.

Moving forward, Lee expressed the hope that lawmakers would act in line with the nation's latest five-year plan and work with the administration on post-disaster efforts linked to the Tai Po blaze.

The government will publish a list of members whose oaths have been deemed valid after the function.