He backed rival, but Jack So urges support for CY Leung

The battle between supporters of Henry Tang Ying-yen and Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is over, Tang supporter Jack So Chak-kwong said as he urged the business sector to get behind the city's leader.

The Trade Development Council chairman nominated Tang in last year's chief executive race, but says Leung has impressed in the year since. His stance is in contrast to that of some other Tang supporters in the business community, who have been critical of Leung.

"People should support C.Y. I don't think there's any more Leung camp and Tang camp," So said. "Whoever we nominated is in the past. That's how the game of democracy is played - after an election, people abandon previous preferences and come together."

But So is less impressed by the Occupy Central campaign, which will culminate in a sit-in protest blocking the streets of Central next July, unless the government brings forward acceptable plans for universal suffrage.

"I don't support Occupy Central. I support freedom of expression by lawful, legal means," So said. "Democracy includes respect for the law, respect for the legal system, respect for people's rights. To do that, why should you break the law in the first place?

"I know they are asking for one man, one vote … OK, express it in a legal, lawful manner like the July 1 march, in the rain, I respect that," So said. "There's plenty of space for discussion … Look, rule of law is one of Hong Kong's core values. Don't lose it."