Democrats drop activist from list after he refuses to join party
Pro-democracy activist Kwok Ka-ki was dropped from the Democratic Party's Kowloon West ticket last night after he refused to become a party member.
Dr Kwok, who has been active on the harbour reclamation and Sars issues, originally wanted to be a partner with Democrat lawmaker James To Kun-sun. Mr To believed he could win 20 to 30 per cent of the votes in the four-seat constituency, and had wanted a strong partner to run with.
Mr To announced the party's candidate list in Kowloon West following a central committee meeting.
The ticket now includes Mr To, vice-chairman of Kowloon City District council Chan Ka-wai, Yau Tsim Mong district councillor Lam Ho-yeung and former district councillor Ma Kee.
Mr To said he was confident the party could win two seats with this lineup.
Dr Kwok reacted to the change in the list by saying: 'I was a little bit surprised and it was such a pity.'
He said Mr To had invited him to run for the office.
'However, two to three days ago, some people from the party asked me to join them before the election.
'It was a very difficult decision for me to make within such a short time - though I have supported the Democrats for more than 10 years. We share the same philosophy,' he said.
He said he would not be standing for election in a different constituency.
Meanwhile, the party said it would hold election strategy talks with former radio host Albert Cheng King-hon only after he decided whether to join the election on Wednesday.
Party chairman Yeung Sum said the party's central committee had held a meeting to discuss the impact of Cheng's possible candidacy in the elections.
About 80 people staged a protest outside Commercial Radio's office in Kowloon Tong yesterday, calling for station director Winnie Yu to resign.
They called on the broadcaster to reverse its decision to terminate Cheng's contract or they would boycott the station for one month.
Led by Reverend Fung Chi-wood, the group held a banner and chanted slogans outside the office, ridiculing the broadcaster's decision.
