Two candidates for Bar Association posts will not serve unless Alan Leong Kah-kit SC is chosen as chairman, it is understood. Mr Leong is standing against Philip Dykes SC in the first contested election in 23 years. The two candidates are Edward Chan King-sang SC, who wants to be vice-chairman, and Jat Sew-tong, who is standing for honorary secretary and treasurer. They are both on Mr Leong's list, which also contains candidates for seven other positions. However, another teammate of Mr Leong, Michael Lunn SC, who is seeking the other vice-chairman post, said he would serve whoever was elected. Both Mr Chan and Mr Lunn will be returned unopposed, because there are no other candidates. Mr Chan is on holiday and was not available for comment. Mr Jat said: 'I support Mr Leong because I think he is a better candidate for the post. He has been representing the Bar Association to liaise with the Government, the Law Society and the media.' But Mr Lunn said: 'They only differ in their style and both are respected by me. It's healthy to let the voters have a choice.' Mr Dykes, who was not available for comment, is not fielding his own candidates for vice-chairmanship, indicating he is prepared to co-operate with Mr Leong's election partners if he wins in the January 18 election. Leo Remedios is running as honorary secretary and treasurer on Mr Dykes' ticket. A legal source said that Mr Dykes, who specialises in criminal cases and public law, is supported by members who believe he is strong on constitutional issues. 'They believe he is a more appropriate one to take up the post as the Bar has been vocal on human rights and constitutional issues,' the source said. 'Alan Leong will be supported by veteran members who believe he has established better contacts with the Government and the media.' Dominic Yeung, who is on Mr Dykes' ticket for one of the other positions, said he supported Mr Dykes because he had served on the Bar Council since 1995. Mr Leong has served since 1996. 'I don't agree Mr Dykes enjoys an edge by being strong in human rights issues, as the Bar should be apolitical. I don't think the council would be divided if Mr Dykes is elected and he has to work with the teammates of Mr Leong. After all, we are professionals,' Mr Yeung said. Mr Leong, who specialises in commercial cases, denied he was not strong on constitutional matters. 'I have been handling issues relating to public law,' he said. In his platform, Mr Leong pledges to improve relations and understanding between the Bar and the public and to improve the quality of barristers.
