Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Lam Woon-kwong said yesterday he will listen to EOC members' opinions today before deciding whether to resign as the Executive Council's convenor over a possible conflict of interest.
At a special meeting to be held late this afternoon, Lam will make a speech then leave the room to allow members to discuss the matter. They will have the option of voting on whether Lam should keep his Exco position, although such a vote would not be binding, according to commission member Frederick Fung Kin-kee.
Lam's Exco appointment was supported by more than a dozen welfare groups in a joint letter sent to the commission yesterday. As Exco convenor, he could help convey minority groups' voices to the highest level of government, they said.
But Fung, who is also a pan-democrat legislator, believes Lam's role in the top government advisory body undermines the commission's image of independence. Fung said he would resign from the commission if Lam remained with Exco.
The Civic Party, Democratic Party and lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee have all urged Lam to choose one position or the other, as soon as possible.
After an hour-long meeting with Fung yesterday, Lam said: 'I am a person with an independent mind. I will first listen to the members' opinions, and make a decision as soon as possible.'