ALTHOUGH the Hongkong Federation of Students, which represents nearly all tertiary college students in the territory, is not on the verge of collapse, it is getting weak because it fails to attract students to take up posts.
The secretariat, its highest administrative body which includes four top positions - a general secretary and three vice-generals - and secretaries, has often been left empty since 1988 when it changed to a secretary-led system.
In only two years had there been an elected secretary-general, leaving the other years with either an acting secretary or none at all.
If the positions are not filled this year, it will be the third successive year the federation is without a head to organise activities.
Most of the tasks now are in the hands of the federation's council and standing committee, which originally take charge of supervision and legislation only.
So Yeung, chairman of the federation's council, said: ''It is becoming difficult to launch activities and to build up closer contacts among the institutions because we don't have a general secretary.
''I am afraid the federation is becoming a loose organisation without a clear direction and good administration.