Three Hong Kong opposition politicians explain why they turned their backs on Legislative Council – and where they go from here

Removal of four opposition lawmakers this month following a resolution by Beijing prompted all 15 of their colleagues to resign

James To, Fernando Cheung and Ip Kin-yuen speak about their decision to quit, the state of politics in Hong Kong and what lies ahead for them

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James To, first elected to Hong Kong legislature in 1991, will continue his public service at the district council level. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 9:00am, 29 Nov 2020Updated: 8:40am, 30 Nov 2020

Four Hong Kong lawmakers were disqualified from the Legislative Council this month, immediately after Beijing passed a resolution on November 11 stating that legislators could be removed summarily for flouting a number of prohibited acts, including threatening national security and refusing to endorse China’s sovereignty.

Their removal prompted all 15 remaining opposition lawmakers to resign. Among those leaving are three prominent lawmakers who have served between eight and 28 years. The Post spoke to James To Kun-sun, Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung and Ip Kin-yuen about their decision to quit, the state of politics in Hong Kong and what lies ahead for them.

‘Pan-dems have not changed, Beijing has lost its tolerance’: James To

Over 28 years in the Legislative Council, Democratic Party veteran James To Kun-sun made a name for himself as a lawmaker who often spoke up on major incidents and difficult cases.

They included the Hong Kong victims of the 2010 Manila hostage crisis which left nine people dead after an armed man seized a tour bus, the Lamma Island ferry collision two years later that took 39 lives, and most recently, the case of 12 Hongkongers captured at sea by the mainland Chinese coastguard while fleeing to Taiwan.

“I was also the first person Edward Snowden approached while he was in Hong Kong,” To revealed, referring to the surveillance whistle-blower who was holed up in the city after fleeing Hawaii in 2013 and before eventually landing in Russia.

“I guess my 20-something years’ experience in security affairs, legal background and the fact that I have been careful in my words, prompted people to look for me.”

Philippine police prepare to storm a bus in Manila to free 15 Hong Kong tourists taken hostage in 2010. Photo: AP