Multiple veteran lawmakers not taking part in upcoming LegCo elections
發佈日期: 2025-10-11 20:19
TVB News
A number of lawmakers announced that they would not run in the upcoming Legislative Council elections, including some of the longest-serving ones.
The nomination period for the Legislative Council elections will begin on October 24th with a number of veteran lawmakers revealing their intentions to not take part in the LegCo polls.
Long-serving Liberal Party legislator Tommy Cheung announced his decision on his social media page.
The 76-year-old says having considered the development of the "One Country, Two Systems" and the needs of the catering industry, and after discussions with his Liberal Party members, family, friends and business partners, he has decided not to run, and let young talent have more opportunities to develop.
Cheung has been elected for six consecutive terms since 2000 and currently serves as an Executive Council member.
Another Executive Council member Chan Kin-por, the 71-year-old insurance sector lawmaker, also announced that it's the right time to "pass the baton" to a capable individual who has both the heart and aspiration to serve the insurance industry and Hong Kong. Chan has served LegCo for four terms since 2008.
The 68-year-old Tik Chi-yuen also decided not to run. He is currently the only non-pro-establishment lawmaker at the legislature.
The Third Side party chairman and social welfare sector lawmaker says he made the decision after consulting his party.
He says the decision was made without outside "signalling" over whether he "can or cannot" run in the elections.
Also stepping down is 74-year-old President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung, who cited family considerations, age and personal reasons for retirement.
Ma Fung-kwok, 70-year-old Election Committee lawmaker, also disclosed his intention to not run.
Lau Siu-kai, a consultant of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, says both the central government and the public hope to see a younger legislature.
Lau said the physical and professional demands on legislators are rising -- which have put significant pressure to the older lawmakers.
He says after the electoral overhaul, Hong Kong politics have become "more stable" which can attract more aspiring individuals to run in the elections.
