Outspoken pro-Beijing figure Tsang Hin-chi pledged yesterday to be even more outspoken on Hong Kong affairs after he steps down as a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee next year.
Mr Tsang said his remarks had often drawn criticism but this had never deterred him because he always spoke the truth.
'If I can still be of influence in the future, I will continue to be concerned with 'one country, two systems' and Hong Kong affairs,' he said.
'If you want me to speak on anything, just ask freely. I will speak even more freely than now,' he told the media.
Mr Tsang, who has announced he will not seek re-election to the committee, heaped praise on Legislative Council president Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, saying she had all the right attributes for the post, fuelling speculation that she could replace him.
Mr Tsang said he also would support his second son, Ricky Tsang Chi-hung, should he wish to join the NPC next year, but added that he would never force such a move on his children.