Voice of Loving Hong Kong plans pro-Leung event

A fledgling group formed to support the Leung Chun-ying administration is pitting itself against what it calls a "dark force with motives for unspeakable acts" - the pan-democrat opposition camp.

The Voice of Loving Hong Kong says it will become more "radical" than the pan-democrats if they don't stop "obstructing" the chief executive.

Yesterday, group convenor Patrick Ko Tat-pun said: "We feel we should no longer keep silent and must fight this dark force that has motives for unspeakable acts.

"We are an anti-opposition force. If they step up opposition [to the government], we shall step up opposition [to them]. If they turn more radical, we shall turn even more radical."

Ko runs a paper product manufacturing company in Hong Kong and is also a member of the Shenzhen Overseas Friendship Association - a unit under the United Front Work Department of Shenzhen's party committee. The department is a communist party agency which aims to build relations with leaders outside the party.

Ko, speaking of his mainland ties, said: "It is nothing special. I do business and it is very common that people doing business will have some China connections. Don't demonise me."

The group, which has 20 members, began in September, at the peak of protests against teaching national education in local schools. Some of the members met during pro-national education rallies and formed the group to convey positive messages in support of the government.

It is organising an event from 3pm to 6pm on Tuesday at the Tamar government headquarters to counter the anti-Leung march. The group said it expects 500 to 1,000 people to attend and has invited Beijing-friendly figures including Leung ally Lew Mon-hung.