Plan for new coalition snubbed by several independents
A plan by independent lawmaker Chim Pui-chung to form a Beijing-friendly coalition that could bargain with the government is facing a setback, as several prospective candidates have snubbed it.
Mr Chim, the lawmaker representing the financial services sector, said that of the 10 people he lobbied only three had committed. The rest had refused or said they needed time to consider.
'Someone might think the liaison office might have suspicions about what this group would do,' Mr Chim said, referring to Beijing's representative office in the city. 'I can say very clearly that we have no ambition. Although Beijing didn't dare tell me not to form the coalition, I am still under a lot of pressure.'
Mr Chim said the three who had so far agreed to join were Paul Tse Wai-chun, the newly elected lawmaker representing the tourism sector; former security chief Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee; and unionist Li Fung-ying.
Those considering included Lam Tai-fai, who represents the Chinese Manufacturers' Association. Mr Chim said Priscilla Leung Mei-fun would rather join The Alliance of non-affiliated lawmakers.
Paul Chan Mo-po, one of nine new faces elected to trade-based seats and who represents the accountancy sector, said both Mr Chim and The Alliance had invited him to join their coalitions.
Saying that no decision had been made, Mr Chan said the sector was inclined towards The Alliance, which had been reduced from five to three members after two of its lawmakers decided not to run this year. He said his talks with independent lawmakers had shown several of them had decided not to join any groups for now.
