Former immigration director Laurence Leung Ming-yin last night tried to dispel doubts about his motivation for joining the National People's Congress (NPC) race.
'I only want to contribute to the country while I still can. I don't mean to fish for fame and compliments, I don't mean to launch revenge and I'm not trying to be confrontational,' he told an NPC selection forum.
'I did not envisage the 'wind and rain' [when I first decided to join the selection], nor did I expect intervention from the British.' However, Mr Leung would not elaborate on this intervention. 'I don't know . . . I don't want to say too much,' he said.
Controversy has clouded his bid for an NPC seat.
On Tuesday, he claimed credit for two immigration policies the mainland has yet to announce, drawing criticism from some voters.
Mr Leung has also faced a campaign against his nomination. Selection panel members have cast doubt on his integrity, referring to a Legislative Council inquiry into his sudden resignation in July last year.
It has been suggested that he is standing in an attempt to embarrass the government officials who forced him out of office.