Hong Kong pan-democrats eye traditionally pro-establishment wholesale and retail seat
Pan-democrats have never won the seat but an up-and-coming Democrat wants to give it a go in the September elections
The pan-democrats may make a rare move to contest the Legislative Council seat for the wholesale and retail sector, a long-time stronghold of the pro-establishment camp.
Au Nok-hin, an up-and-coming young Democratic Party member, vowed to fight for the interests of small businesses against the increasing domination of major retail chains in Hong Kong’s streets and shopping malls.
Admitting his chance of winning the seat was low given that it had always been won by the rival pro-establishment camp, Au said he wanted to bring difficulties faced by small businesses to the attention of society and the retail sector.
“I don’t want to see people being left only with retail chains,” Au told the media on Thursday. “It is ever more difficult for small businesses to survive because of high rents and also the Link chasing out small shops from public housing estates.”
The party’s election committee has endorsed Au’s bid pending final endorsement from its central committee.