There will be many new faces in the next legislature after September's election. Some of Hong Kong's longest-serving politicians are not standing again, and a few old faces may well lose. Together with the recent appointments of new deputy ministers and political assistants, there will be a fresh stable of politicians in the legislative and executive branches.
Moreover, with the resignation of Frederick Ma Si-hang, the silver-tongued commerce minister, the chief executive has nominated Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan, a long-time bureaucrat, as Mr Ma's successor. Even though Mrs Lau has been in government for more than 30 years and cannot be said to be a new face, she is likely to find her role as a minister quite challenging. She will be in the direct line of fire handling economic issues including industry, tourism, technology and competition policy. Mr Ma's reputation was built on being a 'nice guy' who sought to be on good terms with everyone. Mrs Lau has never been known for her charm.
While we will lose former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang from the legislature, we may well see former security secretary Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee being elected. It was sobering for Mrs Chan to experience first-hand what politics is like in the legislature with an unfriendly executive branch. She was one of 60 legislators and could easily be ignored. Mrs Ip may find the day-to-day rhythm of legislative politics no easier. As a minister, she had to go to the legislature only for specific issues and, on lesser matters, could send her deputies.
However, legislators must appear in person, and Mrs Ip's regular attendance would be a matter of media and public attention. Run-of-the-mill speeches and remarks would not be reported, but any slip-ups would make the headlines. While Mrs Ip is not considered part of the 'opposition', unlike Mrs Chan, it is far from clear whether she would have a warm relationship with Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. More likely, relations will be cool.
Kam Nai-wai, of the Democratic Party, will have impossibly large shoes to fill: those left by Martin Lee Chu-ming. Mr Kam is likely to head the party's ticket on Hong Kong Island, but the party will need to work exceptionally hard to ensure Yeung Sum, in second place on the ticket, also gets elected. The party won seven directly elected constituencies in 2004.
Veteran politicians Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, of the Liberal Party, and unionist and Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong member Chan Yuen-han, may not be standing for re-election. The Liberal Party will field chairman James Tien Pei-chun in New Territories East; he has a good chance of being re-elected. Hopes of a second directly elected seat rest with Mr Tien's younger brother, Michael Tien Puk-sun, who already seems to be campaigning in Kowloon West - a constituency to watch, as other new faces are crowding in there, including some from the Civic Party. A young environmentalist and a law professor are both running there as independent candidates, while DAB heavyweight Tsang Yok-sing will move to contest a seat on Hong Kong Island.