The contrasting fates of three lesser-known figures featured in the news last week hold a lesson for the city's home-grown political talent in the journey towards representative democracy.
The plight of Lam Chak-piu, a popular veteran politician who was beaten and robbed of his entire savings of $700, is a sad one.
What had appeared to be a petty crime has laid bare the grim life in retirement of Mr Lam, a household name in the 1980s who championed the well-being of the grass roots.
It has raised interest in the issue of retirement protection for people who have held office in the legislative and district councils.
Democrat Gary Fan Kwok-wai, 39, hit the headlines when he lashed out at party chairman Lee Wing-tat for leadership blunders.
It was widely seen as part of a party power struggle featuring second-tier figures like Mr Fan, who feel frustrated with the limited opportunities for them to show their political talent.
