Legislator Emily Lau
Legislator Emily Lau Wai-hing never compromises. Ever since she became a member of the Legislative Council in 1991, the 55-year-old former journalist refused to change her outspoken attitude and end her pursuit of democracy in Hong Kong. She tells Winnie Yeung why she still hangs in there – even though a certain chief executive told her to “speak less.”
I was born in a very poor family.
My father died when I was four so my mother needed to live and work in a rich family. As a result, my two elder brothers and I lived with different relatives when we grew up – mostly with our sixth aunt’s family, which had six kids.
I repeated Primary Two because my mother thought I wouldn't get into Maryknoll Convent School so played it safe and made me repeat.
I was in the Student Council and also the debating team at school. But no – these activities did not shape up my personality or make me take the path I am taking now.
I was a gold medalist at school sports days. I liked sports.
The funny thing is, the PE teacher never paid attention to us during class so we ended up sitting in a corner drinking soda. But for two or three years in a row, I managed to win gold medals for both running and long jump at sports day. I kind of liked sports.