Centrist Hong Kong lawmaker says win will spur more vocal candidates in future polls
Mark Chong also calls on government to improve public trust by boosting oversight to avoid situations like the bottled water scandal and Tai Po fire
The sole lawmaker-elect of the centrist Roundtable party in Hong Kong has said his victory in the recent Legislative Council election could embolden more moderate and outspoken politicians to contest future polls.
The 41-year-old politician secured more than 34,000 votes in the December 7 Legco election, succeeding outgoing veteran lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, who founded the party.
In an interview with the Post, Chong said he faced tremendous pressure throughout the campaign, as the election outcome was seen as pivotal not just for the party’s survival but also for its political ideology.
“We have proven that running [in the election] actually offers a real chance. This is the greatest reward of this election, not just for the Roundtable party, but as a recognition of our beliefs,” he said, referring to the moderate but outspoken brand of politics practised by Tien.
“This election has proven that our path has a market. Candidates, organisations or political parties that share our ideology will have the courage to step forward.”