RECENTLY elected Regional Council chairman Daniel Lam Wai-keung is in danger of losing his post, as New Territories rural leaders accuse him of betrayal.
Mr Lam sits on Regco by virtue of his position as a vice-chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, and this is now being challenged by at least two rivals.
Tsuen Wan Rural Committee chairman Chan Lau-fong and Kwai Tsing Rural Committee chairman Chan Tin-sung will both stand against Mr Lam in the Kuk elections on May 22.
The New Territories natives angrily accuse Mr Lam of forging an alliance with the Democrats, who they have long been bitterly at odds with over the land inheritance row, to win election as Regco chairman two weeks ago.
Mr Lam beat fellow Heung Yee Kuk vice-chairman Liu Ching-leung for the seat with the support of Kuk chairman Lau Wong-fat and the votes of the Democratic Party. His rivals allege he had previously agreed to support Mr Liu for the Regco post.
'This has split the Heung Yee Kuk. It has damaged our image,' Mr Chan said. 'It seems we are being betrayed.' If Mr Lam loses, he will have to step down from Regco. He denies forming an alliance with the Democrats, or promising to support Mr Liu.
