A Law Society vice-president announced his bid for the Legislative Council's legal seat yesterday, and said he would defend the rule of law despite supporting controversial remarks by a state leader that caused concerns about judicial independence.
Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, who is challenging veteran democrat Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee in the legal functional constituency, said it was time Ms Ng, of the Civic Party, retired after 12 years in the seat.
Mr Ho, who is running on a platform of improving lawyers' livelihoods, is considered a pro-establishment candidate who has the blessing of Beijing.
He said his mainland connections would help bring lawyers' voices to the mainland and improve their business prospects over the border.
'I will be pragmatic and will only do what can be done, rather than pushing for the impossible.'
Mr Ho said he backed a controversial call by Vice-President Xi Jinping during the state leader's visit to Hong Kong this month for the judiciary to give the city's administration better support.
'Vice-President Xi's remarks were an encouragement. It was only reasonable for him to point out the need for co-operation and team spirit in the government.'