DAB pledges to back Regina Ip if she runs in Legco by-election

Hong Kong's largest Beijing-friendly political party last night threw its backing behind former security chief Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, pledging to support her if she ran in December's Legislative Council by-election on Hong Kong Island.

But the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong denied the decision to back an outsider, rather than its own party members who have expressed a desire to run, would sacrifice the chances of second-tier members rising up the political ladder, because everyone was 'patriotic'.

Speaking after the party's central committee meeting, which Mrs Ip attended to seek support, chairman Tam Yiu-chung said the committee had decided to back Mrs Ip if she declared her candidacy.

'We have discussed whether to field a candidate from our party or whether to support Mrs Ip,' he said. 'We felt that Mrs Ip was also a suitable candidate, and if she runs we will consider supporting her.'

There have been strong calls from the DAB's rank and file members for the party to field its own candidate, especially as the seat was left vacant following the death of chairman Ma Lik from colon cancer last month.

Christopher Chung Shu-kun, a DAB district councillor who has previously run for Legco, and Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, chairman of the Young DAB, have both expressed a wish to help the party recapture the seat. They lobbied the party's leaders at last night's meeting.

Mr Tam denied the decision reached would mean sacrificing party hopefuls in favour of Mrs Ip, saying she would have the added strength to attract votes from groups outside DAB supporters.