My platform will be my own, says Anson Chan

Legco by-election candidate Anson Chan Fang On-sang said yesterday she would not simply copy her election platform directly from the pan-democrats.

Her comments came as the pan-democrats finalised details of a debate among the camp's candidates for the Legislative Council by-election on Hong Kong Island on December 2.

Speaking after talks with pan-democrats, Mrs Chan said she would consult different groups, such as those from the environment and education sectors, before finalising her platform. On Saturday, she talked with the pan-democrats and listened to their platforms and views on government policies. 'But I will come up with a platform of my own. I am not going to copy or adopt [theirs] in full,' she said.

Under the rules agreed by the pan-democrats, the election debate will mirror the debate among candidates for chief executive held in March.

The debate will be held at the Hong Kong Caritas hall in Mid-Levels from 7pm to 8.30pm next Monday evening. Media organisations are being approached about providing live coverage of the event.

The pan-democrats plan to open the forum to about 300 allied groups and 100 members of the public, who will be able ask the candidates questions. However, the candidates will not be allowed to ask each other questions directly.

Asked if she was worried government allies would join in and upset the debate, Mrs Chan said: 'This is within expectation. What's important is to maintain the order of the session.'

On Friday, the League of Social Democrats is expected to formally endorse Lo Wing-lok to join the selection process. Dr Lo said it would be better if he could ask Mrs Chan questions directly. 'I want people to reflect on what Mrs Chan represents. She is backed by media tycoons and major political parties. Her views are pro-establishment. But I am nobody. I just represent the man in the street,' he said.

The Frontier legislator Emily Lau Wai-hing, who has been co-ordinating the selection process, said representatives from the allied groups would vote for their choice of candidate immediately after the debate.

Under the scoring system agreed by pan-democrats earlier, votes from allied groups will account for 30 per cent of the score, while those of pan-democrat legislators and district councillors will each account for 10 per cent. The other 50 per cent will be determined by an opinion poll on people's support for the candidates, to be conducted from September 25-29. The final results will be announced on September 30.

Debating points

Event Q&A session to choose pan-democrat candidate to contest Hong Kong Island by-election.

When Monday, September 24.

Time 7-8.30pm.

Coverage Live broadcast being arranged with media organisations.

Moderator Leung Man-to.

Panellists include Ma Ngok, Chan Kin-man and Benny Tai Yiu-ting.

Rules Candidates cannot ask each other questions directly. Ten allied groups will each field no more than 30 representatives. They will also vote on the favoured candidate after the forum. Debate can accommodate around 100 members of the public, depending on attendance by allied group representatives. Separately, pan-democrat legislators and district councillors will vote on favoured candidate.

Opinion poll between September 25 and 29 to test candidates' public support.

Winner Candidate with highest score to be announced on September 30.