Heung Yee Kuk chairman steps into father’s shoes saying he’ll seek his advice
After being elected unopposed as chairman of the rural body, the son of strongman 'Uncle Fat' says he will consult his father if necessary
The new leader of the Heung Yee Kuk has rejected accusations that the powerful rural body is being run as a family endeavour after he succeeded his ailing father.
Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, 49, took over from his father, rural patriarch Lau Wong-fat, 79, popularly known as "Uncle Fat", who stepped down citing poor health after 35 years in the top seat of the advisory body, which represents the interests of indigenous residents of the New Territories.
The younger Lau will lead the 143-member organisation for a term of four years after running uncontested as chairman at a kuk general meeting.
While stressing his independence in running the kuk, the younger Lau said he would still consult his father when needed.
"[My father] is still a kuk member and will take part in the kuk business. I do not see it as him holding court from behind the scenes. He has rich experience and it will be appropriate for any one of us in the kuk to seek his views when it is needed."
He dismissed claims he was installed by his father, saying: "I am over 18 and I submitted the election form on my own."
The younger Lau served as a district councillor between 2000 and 2011.