Let's avoid history repeating itself
Firebrand lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing, whose election to the chairmanship of the Finance Committee shocked the establishment in 2004, is having another shot at the job. And it seems her memories of 2004, when the government tried to find out who deserted its camp to support her, are still fresh.
She recalled them in a letter to legislators, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah and central government liaison office director Gao Siren . 'Some legislators who were suspected of having voted for me were questioned by the central government's liaison office and [then] chief executive Tung Chee-hwa,' she wrote. 'I hope the central government and the SAR government will not pressure legislators again.' Got it, gentlemen?
Playing the female card just won't work
Previously known as a fearless fighter for public security and her hairstyle, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee admits to some misgivings in her new role as a legislator. Describing herself as a 'disadvantaged lawmaker' because she is an independent, female newcomer, she has told colleagues she is afraid of being caught between the two camps. 'Female lawmakers are a minority group easily drawing all sorts of criticism from our hairstyle to our shoes, and even being nicknamed,' said the former security chief. Her hairdo - since swapped for a softer look - once earned her the epithet 'Broomhead'. She urged Tsang Yok-sing and Fred Li Wah-ming, candidates for Legco president, to defend the interests of 'disadvantaged lawmakers'. The plea - incongruously coming from the once-feisty official whose championing of the infamous national security bill earned her fame if not popularity - left both men unimpressed. Mr Tsang suggested: 'You could join some big political party ... like the DAB.' Then, we suppose, she would just be a female newcomer. Would that be better, Mrs Ip?
Seat swap gives banker handy exit
