Chim to go ahead with Legco re-election plan despite heart attack
Former broker and financial sector lawmaker will submit application in the next few days
Despite suffering a heart attack and being unable to walk properly, golden banker Chim Pui-chung will still run in the Legislative Council elections in September, he has told White Collar.
Chim has confirmed market rumours that he had been in hospital for over three weeks.
But he refuted other suggestions that he planned to withdraw from the election.
“There are many rumours about me. Some say I am worried about losing the election, while others say China has put pressure on me not to run.
“I will be submitting my application in the next few days to run for election,” Chim said.
There had been widespread speculation within the broking community that Chim would not enter the election for health reasons.
The 69-year-old former broker and financial sector lawmaker has been absent from Legco for the past four years. He announced his comeback during a press conference on June 6, by seeking a Hong Kong Island constituency seat.
I have said I would run, and I have to keep my word
But that night he had a heart attack and was admitted to hospital, where he stayed three weeks for treatment, which he says cost him several million dollars.
He can still only walk with a stick, but insists he is confident of fulfilling his duty, if elected.
“My doctor has confirmed with me that I could do a full-time job in Legco,” he said.
“Hong Kong needs people who are willing to speak out and I always speaks the truth. [My running will] also give the voters more choice,” he said.
Nicknamed “Chiu Chow Angry Man”, Chim is best known for his colourful quotes.
He first became a legislator in 1991 but was expelled in 1998 after being found guilty of plotting to forge share transfer documents. He was sentenced to three years’ jail, reduced to 12 months on appeal.
He returned to Legco in 2004 and served until 2012. In 2007 he was found to have neck cancer, but was treated and recovered.
“My wife is not happy for me to run for election as she has concerns about my health,” he said.
“But I have said I would run, and I have to keep my word.”
