The Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong pledged its support for the government yesterday - but only if policies were 'correct and in line with public opinion'.
At an emotionally charged meeting of the party faithful, that came less than a week after a disastrous performance in the district council elections, core members said the party would continue to fly the flag of 'loving the country and Hong Kong'.
DAB vice-chairman Tam Yiu-chung said: 'We support the SAR government [led by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa]. If its policies are correct, we will support it. If its moves are detrimental to society and run against public opinion, we will not support it.'
At the meeting of 400 people in Kowloon Tong, supporters hugged outgoing chairman Tsang Yok-sing. Although he remained tight-lipped about his future, insiders said he was standing by his decision last week to quit as leader.
The meeting, convened to discuss the election results, came to an impassioned end when participants, including the 206 district council candidates, sang the party's song.
As the anthem reached a climax, Mr Tsang yelled: 'Continue to work hard! Let's fight again in 04!' setting off a wave of cheers and chanting of support at the hall in Heung To Middle School.
Mr Tsang, who founded the party 11 years ago, was mobbed by supporters, with some chanting: 'Chairman Tsang, we love you!'