Retiring Democrat legislator Martin Lee Chu-ming is no stranger to controversy - and this reputation is continuing even after his decision to quit elective politics when his current term expires in July.
His observation that the Civic Party could take over at the helm of the pan-democratic camp has understandably been greeted with feelings of betrayal within his own party.
At a time when the pro-democracy flagship is facing a very difficult battle in the Legislative Council election in September, Mr Lee's comment, however true it may be, could not be more demoralising.
Worse, suggestions that the party's vice-chairman, Sin Chung-kai, should form a joint ticket with Anson Chan Fang On-sang - the former chief secretary who won a seat in a Legco by-election in November - to boost his chances have further damaged the party's image and morale. Mr Sin is tipped to succeed Albert Ho Chun-yan as the next chairman, in 2010.
Underlying the thinking of a joint ticket with Mrs Chan are fears that Mr Sin risks defeat if he runs on his own list, under the proportional representation electoral system.
Since Mrs Chan is more popular, and likely to win far more votes than she needs for her own seat, analysts say the smart tactic would be to put Mr Sin second on her list. In this way, he would benefit from Mrs Chan's extra votes. Mrs Chan has not yet said publicly whether she will run again.
Mr Lee's remarks about the leadership role of the Civic Party, together with the idea of a joint ticket with Mrs Chan, have one thing in common. They reflect a feeling of resignation about the reality of the Democratic Party: it is in decline and its allies, such as the Civic Party and Mrs Chan, should take on a bigger role.