Bickering brothers: The Tiens, Hong Kong's famous political siblings, go head to head

The Tien brothers are the best-known siblings in local political circles, both are considered pro-establishment - but there the similarities end. The sons of textile entrepreneur Francis Tien Yuan-hon, they parted ways in 2010 when Michael Tien joined the New People's Party after leaving the Liberal Party, which elder brother James co-founded. Last month, James Tien refused to join his sibling on the legislative walkout. Now, in separate interviews with the Post's Tony Cheung, each explains why his party is the choice of middle-ground voters and how he sees Legco's trade seats.

The New People's Party is "qualified" to gain more seats in the upcoming district and legislative council elections, says vice-chairman Michael Tien Puk-sun , as their reputation is unharmed by the botched walkout during a historic vote last month.

In fact, Tien, 64, feels buoyant about vying for a Legislative Council seat next year in the New Territories East, where his party is likely to go head to head with one of the incumbents - his elder brother, James Tien Pei-chun.

"Based on what people have told us and the party's image, we are absolutely qualified to win a seat there," he said. "It [all] depends on whether we can find a presentable candidate."

Both brothers are directly elected lawmakers serving geographical constituencies. Michael Tien said he agreed with the public perception that his legislative colleagues who were elected to represent trades and industries, with a far smaller electoral mandate, generally lacked political sensitivity, but he doubted they would change.

Legco's 30 trade-based lawmakers were voted into the 70-member legislature in 2012 by just 241,000 people, voting on behalf of their professions, accounting for about 7 per cent of the city's electorate.