Appointees to boost government allies' dominance of councils

All district councils will be dominated by pro-government forces except Sham Shui Po, sources said, after the government announces its 102 councillor appointees today.

No pan-democrats are on the list, whereas appointees from the Liberal Party and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong will increase in number by 20 per cent, the sources said.

In the new district political landscape, pan-democrats' chances of winning chairmanship and vice-chairmanship roles in district councils have receded.

The 102 appointees represent the maximum number allowed by law. They will join the 18 district councils along with 405 elected members when the new council year begins on January 1.

Most serving appointees with two terms under their belt will not be reappointed. Sources said it is generally accepted that government advisory body members should not retain such roles for more than six years, although some councillors will get the nod for third terms in light of their experience.

Eastern District council chairwoman Christina Ting Yuk-chee, Tsuen Wan District Council chairman Chau How-chen and Kwun Tong District Council chairman Chan Chung-bun, who have been councillors since 2000, are among those who will be reappointed.