New NPC local deputy Chan Yung vows to prove his worth on the job

A newly elected local deputy to the National People's Congress, Chan Yung, has vowed to prove his worth on the job with hard work rather than to take it as an "honorary" post.

Chan's comments - in which he also pledged to reflect the views of all Hongkongers, including pan-democrats - comes on the back of former delegate Ng Hon-mun's criticism of the NPC election process as feudal.

Ng, a delegate from 1975 to 2008, wrote in the Ming Pao in November that some outgoing delegates were trying to pass their batons to successors from the same federation or group and this was "inevitably feudal".

He appeared to be referring to Chan, chairman of the Beijing-loyalist New Territories Association of Societies, and Ng Chau-pei, chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, who succeeded Lo Suk-ching and Wong Kwok-kin respectively in an election held on December 19.

Chan said he was not worried by Ng Hon-mun's words because he viewed the remarks as a warning against complacency rather than a direct criticism of anyone in particular.

"Ng is a very experienced and well-respected predecessor and he has high expectations of the NPC [local deputies]."

Chan said he was encouraged by Ng's comment that people "had better not do" the job if they believed an NPC deputy was just an honorary title.

"I agree with that," he said. "These posts are to be fought and worked hard for, not [an honour] to be enjoyed."

He said it was common in politics for new politicians to succeed predecessors from the same group or political party.

Chan, 43, is a mainland-born social worker who obtained his degree from Hong Kong's City University.

He won a seat in the nation's parliament after securing 1,243 votes from 1,620 electors, who chose the 36-strong local delegation by block vote.

Chan, who is also a North District councillor, said he would voice concern on matters such as electoral reform and contentious new developments in the northeastern New Territories.

"We have to genuinely reflect the views of various sectors in Hong Kong, even the opinions that I cannot completely agree with," he said.

"For example, if there is a meeting with mainland friends or officials and I am asked to express views on the city's political development, I will explain that there are pan-democratic and pro-establishment camps in Hong Kong, what the radicals and the moderates in these camps are advocating, and why they have such views."

Chan said he believed that if democratisation proved a success in Hong Kong, it could set an example for reforms on the mainland. He hoped to help local social workers seek work opportunities across the border.