Felix Chung vows to create 'younger' Liberal Party

Lawmaker Felix Chung Kwok-pan took over as Liberal Party chairman yesterday with a vow to create a "younger" organisation while staying in the pro-establishment camp.

And he confirmed that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying would meet the business-friendly party for lunch this month - an apparent rapprochement after former Liberal leader James Tien Pei-chun called on Leung to consider quitting to end political discord.

Chung, 51, who represents the textile and garments sector, was confirmed in the post yesterday, while fellow lawmaker Vincent Fang Kang took over from Tien as leader. Both were unopposed.

Tien stood down after being kicked off the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top advisory body, for his criticism of Leung. But Chung downplayed the idea that the lunch with the chief executive was about building bridges.

"Fang says he doesn't need to mend his relationship with Leung, because there is nothing between him and the chief executive," Chung said.

The leadership reshuffle also saw Eastern District councillor Peter Shiu Ka-fai, 44, elected unopposed as vice-chairman.

"I will work with Shiu to do more because all political parties need to get younger," Chung told the Post. "Different people have their own styles and handle matters differently, but the Liberals' direction will not change."