Phone-snatching lawmaker Ted Hui suspended by Democratic Party and faces pressure to resign
Even stalwarts of the party, which has in recent months got closer to the city’s leader, publicly criticised him and suggested he consider if he was fit to remain in his position
The Democratic Party on Thursday suspended lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung and criticised him for “seriously tarnishing the party’s reputation” and letting the public down, as pro-establishment lawmakers geared up to consider a motion to unseat him.
After a special meeting, Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai announced a decision had been made to suspend Hui’s membership indefinitely, pending the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing.
Flanked by four other senior party members, Wu bowed and said: “He bullied and offended the female officer, seriously tarnished the party’s reputation. His act was extremely inappropriate, and fell short of public expectations.”
Hui’s suspension means he cannot speak on behalf of the party on any policy issues or during Legco debates. The party has in recent years positioned itself as a moderate voice in the pan-democratic camp, especially with the rise of radical, localist and pro-independence groups.