DAB chairman Tam Yiu-chung will challenge Emily Lau Wai-hing, of The Frontier, for chairmanship of the Legislative Council's Finance Committee after his party's failed attempt for the position last year.
If the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong can secure the influential post, which has the power to set the agenda and oversee discussions, the government can expect a smooth passage of its funding applications in the next 12 months.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Tam said his party had decided to get him to run in the race to be held tomorrow. He had already started lobbying for support from the Liberal Party and The Alliance, whose backing is essential to outvote the pan-democrats.
'If I am elected, I will do everything strictly according to the house rules of the legislature,' Mr Tam said.
In the annual contest by lawmakers for the committee chairmanship last year, Chan Kam-lam of the DAB lost in a surprise defeat to Ms Lau in a drawing of lots after a tied vote. Although it was a secret ballot, The Alliance was accused of voting for Ms Lau despite promising openly to support Mr Chan, who had thought he could command enough votes. The group denied this.
The position, long held by Beijing loyalists, was first taken by Ms Lau three years ago.