The Democratic Party under the new leadership of Yeung Sum will strive to consolidate its strengths instead of making drastic reforms over the next few years, according to vice-chairman Lee Wing-tat. He says that because there is little chance that the party can develop from opposition to ruling party, it will concentrate on internal party-building while widening networking with like-minded groups in society on issues such as Article 23. The party vice-chairman, who lost his seat in the 2000 Legislative Council elections, was elected uncontested in a joint ticket with Dr Yeung and Albert Ho Chun-yan, who is also a vice-chairman, at a party election last Sunday. Dr Yeung, a long-time democracy activist, has said working to improve party solidarity is his top priority. He has also indicated the possibility of developing new 'chemistry' between himself and Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. Lee Wing-tat, seen as the party's strategist, told the Sunday Morning Post: 'Both I and Yeung Sum are quite different from Martin [former party chairman Lee Chu-ming]. 'Although we hold the same views on democracy, the wording and gesturing of Martin is quite different . . . We may see some changes in relationship between Mr Tung and Yeung Sum.' Dr Yeung, 55, is seen as a moderate figure in the mainstream faction of the party. He stepped down as vice-chairman in 2000 because of a serious rift between the party's mainstream faction and the radical 'Young Turks'. At the time, political pundits interpreted the move as a sign of him opting out of the race for chairmanship that would follow the resignation of Martin Lee. The simmering internal struggle between the party's two wings has led to the defection of more than 50 Young Turks to The Frontier. Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, a former Democratic Party vice-chairman who was ousted by the Young Turks in 1998, said: 'It seems to me that Yeung Sum and the rest of the leadership are yet to think through their future direction.' He said the lack of room for the party to develop into a ruling party had become a disincentive for bold reforms. The dominance of old faces in the party leadership had also made changes more difficult. 'It is unrealistic to expect drastic changes and a breakthrough in the party . . . It isn't easy to reverse the present situation overnight. The new party chairman faces a very difficult situation,' Professor Cheung said. 'The whole party is at a loss . . . I see their aspirations for change. They want to do something, but I have yet to see any detailed articulation of thoughts on the party's stance and direction. 'Our beliefs should remain unchanged, but our way of thinking needs to change on how to articulate our beliefs, such as democracy, and adopt a more sophisticated approach on district work and advocacy of policies.' The City University political scientist also fears the demise of 'factional politics' within the party through solidarity building will cause more harm than good. He believes the existence of internal factions is healthy for political parties. Another Democrat, Albert Chan Wai-yip, resigned last week, citing serious differences with the party. Andrew Cheng Kar-foo, one of the remaining Young Turks, said he was powerless to save the party's radical wing. 'I will put more effort into my work as a part of the Democratic Party to stay true to my principles to represent grassroots interests,' he said. 'We still have people like Szeto Wah and Albert Ho in the party.' Lee Wing-tat said members shared the view that the party had been on the decline since 1998. But he said he was optimistic about unity-building following the leadership change. On Friday night, he said: 'I and Yeung Sum just went to a snake soup dinner with our district office. 'It makes a lot of difference if party leaders can go and talk to members directly. 'In the past, Martin would go but just sit there. He didn't have a lot of common topics in casual chat. Yeung Sum, Albert Ho and I are different. We share a lot of experiences, such as public transport, and we sing Canto-pop karaoke songs together. Yeung Sum is a much more sociable leader. 'It's quite difficult for most other people to read the mind of Yeung Sum . . . He's a very cautious person and seldom makes mistakes. 'He won't make revolutionary changes as soon as he takes office. He often said 'just work hard and we will see some results in two years'.' Graphic: DEM08GET
