The 1995 polls brought an end to 15 years as an appointed legislator for Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee - and made life more rewarding.
Mrs Chow admitted that before the poll, she and fellow Liberal Party members had been seen as fence sitters.
The public had thought of them as defenders of government policies.
'We were cautious and conservative and dared not to take a clear stance on many issues, for fear that it was wrong. We were not smart in politics.
'Ironically, by wanting to be responsible, we were failing in our responsibility as a legislator.
'We emphasised too much the executive aspect of the policies but overlooked our monitoring role. It has been hard for us to belatedly change our role.
'Officials keep treating us as ex-appointed members. They hinted to us: as long as your political prospects are shaped by the Government, you are obliged to fortify our reign,' she said.
