HONG KONG, November 22 — A political veteran-heavy delegation from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) rallied today in support of legislative hopeful Rachel Chik Kit-ling, who is campaigning for a December 7 seat in the crucial Hong Kong Island East constituency. During a powerful mobilization event in Siu Sai Wan Estate, Ms. Chik, visibly moved to tears, underscored her deep local roots and unwavering dedication to the community she calls home, as she prepares to face a multi-candidate field in the upcoming election.
The event drew an array of influential party figures, signaling a high-level endorsement for the younger generation of pro-establishment politicians. Key attendees included former National People’s Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung, former Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, and former lawmakers Ip Kwok-him, Choy So-yuk, and Christopher Chung Shu-kun, alongside current Hong Kong Island East Legislative Councilor Edward Leung Hei.
Deep Local Ties Anchor Election Bid
Ms. Chik emphasized that Siu Sai Wan is “her home,” recounting growing up in the neighborhood and witnessing its transformation. Having begun her career as a legislative assistant, she highlighted an extensive decade-long apprenticeship under veteran politicians including Mr. Tsang, Mr. Chung, Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, and Mr. Leung, an accumulation of experience that culminated in her previous victory as a District Councillor.
The candidate touched upon the geographical challenge of the area, the furthest edge of Hong Kong Island East, joking about the frequent need to explain Siu Sai Wan’s location to others, noting that many often confuse it with Sai Wan Ho. She stressed that her tenure, whether at the district or legislative level, has always been driven by the responsibility of improving habitability for her neighbors and fellow residents.
Veterans Assert Confidence in Succession
The endorsements served as a strong testimonial to Ms. Chik’s commitment and capability. Jasper Tsang Yok-sing affirmed the readiness of the younger DAB generation to assume leadership roles, urging public support for Ms. Chik’s entry into the legislature. He expressed confidence that she would successfully continue the party’s mission of community service, particularly in advancing livelihood issues in Siu Sai Wan and the broader Hong Kong Island East area.
Christopher Chung Shu-kun offered a poignant anecdote, recalling Ms. Chik’s involvement in volunteer activities since she was a toddler. He praised her decade of service in his office, characterizing her as an individual who, regardless of weather conditions—be it sun, rain, or typhoon—”fights regardless of personal danger” to solve residents’ problems, showcasing profound passion and dedication.
Current legislator Edward Leung Hei echoed the sentiment, admitting he learned from Ms. Chik the importance of immediate on-site response. He confidently stated that she is “more excellent and diligent” than him and predicted she would achieve even greater success, calling on constituents to vote for her on December 7.
DAB’s Dual Candidacy and Election Focus
The DAB has fielded two candidates in Hong Kong Island East this cycle: Ms. Chik and Li Ching-ha. Responding to voter confusion over the dual candidacy, Ms. Chik asserted that supporting either DAB candidate translates to “an affirmation of the party’s 33 years of service” in the region.
Looking ahead, the candidate urged voters to maintain principles of “not listening, not responding, and not believing” future challenges or rumors, stressing unity and trust in the party’s established reputation. Regarding her platform, Ms. Chik promised three focal areas if elected:
- Creating a dynamic and safe waterfront environment to boost quality of life.
- Providing comprehensive support for families, the middle class, youth, and elderly.
- Strictly scrutinizing policies relevant to Hong Kong Island East and delivering tangible results.
The Hong Kong Island East constituency election scheduled for December 7 also features candidates Stanley Ng Chau-pei (Federation of Trade Unions), Kwok Ho-king (New People’s Party), and Frank Yuen Kin-chung (Liberal Party).
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