‘Don’t give up on Hong Kong’: John Tsang appeals to supporters to continue dream for democracy
He fights back tears during concession speech which calls for people to back Carrie Lam to ensure a better Hong Kong
John Tsang Chun-wah fought back tears as he implored supporters to carry on the dream for democracy and not to give up on Hong Kong, in a concession speech that struck a conciliatory note with his winning opponent.
“I am sorry I have not been able to meet your expectations,” Tsang said after losing with 365 votes against Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s 777 votes yesterday. “I wish to call upon all of you to lend her your full support, so she and her government will be able to bring about a more harmonious future for a better Hong Kong.”
The former finance chief called on Hongkongers not to lose heart in the city as the defeat was his personally, and not Hong Kong’s as a whole.
“Some say this election is like a dream I had with all Hong Kong people, until today, when we finally wake up,” Tsang, 65, said. “I believe this dream to turn Hong Kong more democratic ... has made every Hongkonger willing to dream on – till our dream comes true one day.”
At times, Tsang paused, and bowed his head to hold back tears, when he recalled encounters with citizens: a man who took a taxi from Tuen Mun to meet him in Mei Foo, a mother and daughter who queued up for hours to get a campaign souvenir, or a woman he met in Central whose birthday wish was for him to win.