Having 378 votes of confidence at the nomination stage is no guarantee of support in the March 25 selection for chief executive, supporters warned Henry Tang Ying-yen yesterday.
The caution came from one of his staunchest supporters, Lau Wong-fat, chairman of the powerful rural affairs body the Heung Yee Kuk, which on Monday gave Tang all 28 of its Election Committee nominations. A candidate has to secure at least 150 nominations to be eligible.
Lau's remarks came as Tang's credibility took a battering from scandals over illegal structures and a love affair, which cost him nominations from his strongest backers on the 1,200-member committee.
'Nominations and voting are two separate matters,' the kuk chief said yesterday. 'There is still a month to go. The situation can change a lot.'
Lau, who is also a lawmaker and executive councillor, said he submitted nomination forms for Tang before the illegal structure row, but did not regret the decision.
Commenting on Tang's decision to run amid the backlash against him, Lau said: 'He is brave.'