Rift between Beijing-loyalist DAB and FTU grows
Clashes between DAB and FTU mounting, as latter scrambles for more seats in Legco
Rivalries within the Beijing-loyalist camp were rare in the past, given the careful orchestration of its members.
But disharmony between two groups, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) and the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), publicly emerged during campaigning in the Legislative Council election earlier this month.
With the FTU eager to scramble for more seats in the legislature, clashes between the two groups are likely to increase.
Observers believe that despite the rift in the election campaign and differences on certain policy issues, the two groups will remain allies within the government-friendly camp.
Chan Yuen-han, an FTU heavyweight and DAB co-founder, acknowledged during the campaign that the two were competing against each other.
On election day on September 9, the rivalry became frankly unfriendly when Chan accused the DAB of using trickery to steal votes from her on election day. They allegedly told voters outside polling stations that Chan "had already won", and to vote for someone else instead.