Veteran pro-democracy activist Szeto Wah, who has late-stage lung cancer, yesterday said his health had improved since he had undergone chemotherapy.
He said he remained optimistic and had plans to continue leading all the activities of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China - a group which he founded and chairs and is branded by Beijing as 'subversive'.
Szeto spoke of his condition during a rest after leading fellow activists in a ritual on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to mourn those who were killed in Tiananmen Square during the bloody crackdown on the student-led democracy movement on June 4, 1989.
He appeared in good spirits, although he seemed to tire easily and had to take a seat when speaking to reporters. He said he learned from his doctor that his cancer index had dropped to 13, from 40 when he was first diagnosed with it.
'I was told that when the index falls to below five, I am largely recovered,' he said, adding he would undergo another chemotherapy session next week. 'I feel I am doing better after the treatment,' he said. 'I am optimistic.'
Even if his health worsened, Szeto, 79, said he would not give up the fight for more democracy and human rights on the mainland. 'I shall continue taking part in all the activities of the alliance. Even if my condition worsens and even if I'm in a wheelchair, I will still take part in the activities.'