Beijing’s blessing last step for powerful rural Hong Kong group to form new political party
Pro-establishment Heung Yee Kuk understood to be aiming to field its own candidates for this year’s legislative elections
Beijing’s formal blessing has emerged as a final hurdle in the rural elders’ plan to form a new political party in order to boost their presence in the local political scene.
The new party was expected to be chaired by Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, who last June inherited the chairmanship of Heung Yee Kuk from his father Lau Wong-fat. There were to be three vice-chairmen, according to plans.
READ MORE: Hong Kong’s rural residents body Heung Yee Kuk vows to flex its political muscle if voice ignored
Heung Yee Kuk is an advisory body representing the interests of indigenous villagers in the New Territories. Governed by the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, it cannot itself transform into a political party.
Leaders of the 27 rural committees were understood to have given their stamp of approval to setting up the new party at a recent meeting, while top patriarchs were working on the manifestos.
“The last thing Beijing wants to see is a spilt in the pro-establishment camp,” Kwong said. “More importantly, the rural people are forming the party because they think fellow pan-establishment allies do not support them and they want more power.”