There is no one like Martin Lee Chu-ming. He will have no successor when he retires from the Legislative Council. The fight for democracy for Hong Kong will go on, but it will be a very different fight. What makes Mr Lee unique is his conviction that democracy for Hong Kong is a matter of international concern and importance. This explains his tireless endeavours to galvanise America and Europe to do their part in urging Beijing to listen to the wishes of the people of Hong Kong. He insists that the Sino-British Joint Declaration is an international treaty, and every nation has a stake in it.
He keeps reminding the world that China is a communist state with a poor human rights record and no rule of law, and that the democratisation of Hong Kong cannot be left to Beijing. On the other hand, democracy in Hong Kong will help democracy and the rule of law develop on the mainland.
Such views are not unusual for democrats, but he alone dares to act on them loudly, consistently, fearlessly and as often as he considers necessary.
'Internationalising the problem of Hong Kong' was made the No 1 taboo by the Chinese leadership, including the late Deng Xiaoping , because this was the one weapon that could worry the leadership.
Knowing this, Mr Lee played the 'international card' unhesitatingly when more prudent politicians held back.
It took courage and stamina, and he has both, though he wears his bravery mildly. But he is more than that; he is the only Hong Kong democrat who can be called an international icon for the democratic cause. No one is more persuasive in a language that an international forum understands.
Mr Lee's international lobbying has always been controversial. He has been denounced, and branded a 'traitor', by Beijing officials and 'patriotic' organs in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong public is told that this has set back democracy. Large numbers of the public are against what appears to them to be inviting foreign intervention. Because of all this, Mr Lee's action has caused concern and opposition even among his party members and allies. They question his judgment, if not his moral courage and conviction, or the timing, if not the nature, of his action.