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Joyce Ng

A confidant of newly crowned Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak Ming-sze has submitted his bid for the district council election. 
Joseph Lam Chok, a barrister with an arts degree from England’s Oxford University, is running for the constituency of Lung Sing in Wong Tai Sin district. 
"Society is deeply divided. I hope to provide a third path for voters to choose," the 25-year-old told the media. 
"After all, we are not living in a black-or-white world," he added.
"In order to change Hong Kong, I intend to start by serving my district."
Although Lam has not confirmed whether he is dating Mak, the two have been spotted by reporters eating at a restaurant recently. 
The Oxbridge pair, both of whom are known to be interested in political leadership, have drawn much attention since rumours of their relationship began swirling. 

"I reject this [boyfriend] label, because it strips me of my own identity,” said Lam. 
“But I can't deny I am close to her,” he added. “I don't want to give constituents the impression that I am not serious about my campaign."
When asked if Mak would help him lobby for voters, he said "she has been interested in politics since university and she will support her peers in running for office.”
But he added that she is unlikely to make a personal appearance in the district to buttress his campaign. 
Lam has relocated to the area from his residence in Mid-levels for a period of one year to prepare for his bid. He is contesting incumbent Mandy Tam Heung-man of the radical People Power party.
Lam said his political beliefs were "very different" from pan-democrat Tam. 
"She likes confrontation. That makes for a divided society. I don't agree. I am more for harmony,” he said, adding that he is more interested in tackling social problems in the area through research. 
Before the legislature voted down the government's reform package for the 2017 chief executive election, Lam had advocated accepting the package despite its defects.
He visited the registration office with about 20 supporters, most of whom are friends he made when studying abroad. Lam arrived 45 minutes later than scheduled, which he blamed on taking the wrong direction while driving. 
"I support him because he is clear-minded, mature and intellectual," said venerated columnist Chip Tsao, who is backing Lam’s bid. 
"The Hong Kong political circle is getting old and boring. We need more young faces."
Also running in the same constituency is Ngok King-fun.


Barrister rumoured to be dating Miss Hong Kong to court voters in district council election

Joseph Lam Chok (centre) said he wants to change Hong Kong's 'deeply divided' society , starting with Wong Tai Sin district. Columnist Chip Tsao is on the right. Photo: Edmond So

Louisa Mak Ming-sze is crowned Miss Hong Kong. Lam has not confirmed that he is dating Mak but he admits the two are close and suggested she will be supporting his campaign. Photo: SCMP Pictures

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