DAB plays down split with union partner
The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong yesterday sought to play down the schism with the Federation of Trade Unions, its long-time election partner, saying there was room for both in the next elections. DAB vice-chairman Lau Kong-wah said yesterday that the DAB and FTU would always be 'like family' and continue to co-ordinate election strategies.
Mr Lau's comments followed the passing of a resolution by the FTU to set up a political affairs subcommittee at its general meeting yesterday. The subcommittee will spearhead election campaigns and groom its own candidates for the Legislative Council and district council elections. The number of groups under the FTU has grown to 233, with membership rising to 324,000, 15 per cent up from three years ago.
The FTU, which has four seats in the legislature, has long served as a running mate with the DAB, but its president, Cheng Yiu-tong yesterday signalled that those days were over. 'After each election, our members ask me: 'Why don't they represent union interests?'' Mr Cheng said. 'This will guarantee that in the future ... our elected lawmakers stand on the side of workers and the unions.'
With the FTU expanding its participation in elections, the current labour-sector lawmaker Ip Wai-ming is expected to throw his hat in the ring for a directly elected seat by running in the same constituency as Mr Lau.
Mr Lau said he relished the challenge of co-ordinating to ensure both sides could return lawmakers. 'At the same time, during election time there will always be competition, it cannot be avoided,' he said. 'But this is what's so fun about elections.'
DAB chairman Tam Yiu-chung is also expected to relinquish his post as vice-president of the FTU today in the leadership elections, signalling the split of the two forces.
