Imagine a former government administrative officer joining a political party that throws bananas and shouts offensive words at his old bosses. Is that possible?
Gavin Kwai Sze-kit, 34, is now a member of the radical League of Social Democrats, four years after he quit his civil service career.
First known as the 'MTR arson case hero' in 2004, he came into the spotlight again when he declared his candidacy in the Wan Chai District Council by-election in May. He was defeated in the June poll.
'I was very different from other civil servants. I knew I was not good in the system, and people around me would not be happy having me there.'
At the time he gained fame, he was an assistant secretary for the former Economic Development and Labour Bureau. The then-official was praised for trying to stop an arsonist who started a fire on an MTR train, alerting passengers so they could escape.
The hero became the odd one out after refusing to accept an award from then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa in honour of his brave act. He said the prize should be given to someone with a long community service record instead. 'I was not trying to undermine the government's authority ... But I knew I wouldn't get a promotion afterwards.'
It was not the first time he had challenged authority. As a university graduate seeking an administrative officer position in 1998, he had a quarrel with his interviewers. Mr Kwai recalled that he was not allowed enough time to speak because his interviewers had a lunch appointment. 'I said: 'If you guys are rushing for lunch, I have nothing to add'.'