Unionists have different approaches to press their causes

Veteran unionist Chan Yuen-han is planning to set up a think-tank to voice her views on labour rights and town planning after leaving the legislature.

Ms Chan said she had been discussing the idea with a group of academics and district activists, and would come up with a concrete plan in several months' time.

Those spearheading the project include Wong Tai Sin district councillor Lam Man-fai and Wallace Chang Ping-hung, associate professor with the Chinese University's department of architecture.

Ms Chan, vice-president of the Federation of Trade Unions, ranked second on the federation's ticket contesting Kowloon East in the Legco election early this month, but failed to retain her seat because the 50,320 votes the ticket mustered were only sufficient for chairman Wong Kwok-kin to be elected.

Ms Chan said the think-tank would focus on studies on development of a 'local community economy' and proposals to create job opportunities.

'I want to change the mindset of Hong Kong people and the government that land can only be used for residential and commercial development,' she said, 'Instead, alternative land use can promote development of a local community economy and provide job opportunities.'

In 2003, financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung promoted local community economy development, covering a wide range of activities including cultural, recreational, social and personal services.