Following the last election, the Democratic Party is no longer the biggest political party in the Legislative Council. It has now been reduced to third spot, and has been bogged down by scandals.
The Democrats have faced considerable criticism. There have been demands from both within and outside the party for its chairman, Yeung Sum, to step down. Even Next Magazine, which was seen as being Democrat-friendly, bowed to market pressure, claiming the party is 'cracking up'.
The party is now in its worst shape ever, and is unlikely to reclaim its past glories. The demise is of its own making. Instead of learning from their failure, some outspoken core members have chosen to desert the party when it needs all the support it can muster. The way they seek to cut their political losses is disheartening.
Despite its problems, the party has a major role to play in advancing the democratic cause in Hong Kong. It remains the most organised and resourceful political force to carry the democratic banner. If this had not been the case, the central government would not have resorted to such efforts to undermine it. The party's gradual demise will have a major negative impact on the democratic cause.
The excuses put forward by former central committee member Fung Wai-kwong and founding vice-chairman Anthony Cheung Bing-leung for quitting are lame. Professor Cheung, for instance, said that the Democrats had become overly election-oriented, without setting their eyes on a mission and a vision for leading Hong Kong under the new constitutional order.
In the mid-1990s, the Democratic Party was in its hey day. Activists were then eager to tap into its popularity. But given today's new reality, some of the same people are now quick to dissociate themselves from the party.
I am in no position to defend the Democratic Party, but I feel it would be futile to put all the blame on Dr Yeung for his lack of leadership. The party has attached too much emphasis to its powers in the council. Many of its leaders used to be in the forefront of social campaigns. Knowingly or otherwise, however, they have become too comfortable with the privileges of councillors, and have lost touch with the public.
