The struggle to keep abreast of it all
There is a reason overseas news organisations always go to the same legislators for quotes on Hong Kong affairs. Quite simply, there are only a handful of them whose English is up to standard.
Foreign correspondents will therefore breathe a sigh of relief to see veterans such as Emily Lau Wai-hing return to the Legislative Council, as one of the 'new-generation' lawmakers has been not just shown up but ridiculed for his poor English. A YouTube clip of Gary Chan Hak-kan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong giving an interview while awaiting his results has been the talk of the town for days. Responding to questions in English, he replied: 'Er, we will try our breast to er, er, er, still, er, try our breast - best, to er, not just er, criticise the government policy but also make some good suggestion in order to improve people's living hood [sic].'
With the clip having spawned such a popular catchphrase, Mr Chan now has a future beyond politics - that of a chicken-breast salesman in a supermarket, one commentator suggested yesterday.
Meanwhile 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung, looking ahead to the next four years of work, said: 'I will not try my breast. I will try my best.'
In a radio talk show yesterday, Mr Chan was forced to eat humble pie. 'When I have not performed, then I should admit it. I hope everybody will give me a chance to improve,' he said. 'Try my best,' he said, this time loud and clear. Political Animal hopes Mr Chan will keep 'abreast' of the criticisms and show 'betterment and progress' for the good of Hong Kong.