Gender gap Power struggle over trees Candidate age limit: Women under-represented in Government makes decisions for Ageist or practical P22 council P6 the districts P7 magazineTHE YOUNG REP RTER November 2015 In This Issue

4 Timeline 8 District Boundary Maps 22 ’s election age History of District Council and Profiles limit: ageist or practical? FRONT PROFILE FEATURE

24 Who will take over the 5 Graphic guide: 18 Young candidates ready “super seats”? How to vote for the race The Young Reporter team Faced with competition from talks to “super seats” law- veteran politicians, candidates makers about the future of 6 The government gender in their 20s are determined to the District Council (Second) gap: from District Council win in the election functional constituency. to Legco FEATURE

7 Elected councillors have little say in district affairs Residents are reluctant to vote because the outcome won’t 20 Discontent with the make any difference government matters most FEATURE in university students’ votes TYR poll on university-student SURVEY voters said Occupy Movement will affect their votes

Previous issue explores the situation of old trees on roadsides in Hong Kong THE YOUNG REP RTER Letter from the Editor magazine The Young Reporter editorial to young candidates and young Editor Section Editors Crystal Tse Tsui-see Au Yeung team was gathered in the 24- voters. And, as a female-dominated Cora Chan hour computer lab (more like group on a female-dominated Deputy Editors Catherine Chen a lounge) one day last week campus, we are sensitive to gender Thomas Chan Natasha Fernandes putting together this issue. I was issues in politics and workplace. Jane Cheung Anne Lau Joanne Lee Harry Ng researching the Electoral Affairs Airis Lin Viola Zhou Committee statistics on voter The system of appointed members Iverson Ng turnout and watching one of my is to be abolished starting from Jennie Tang Copy Editors Joanna Wong editors scrolling on his laptop on this election, making the District Mari Chow Hilary Wu the sofa. I looked at the group and Council the only generally elected Jackson Ho spontaneously asked, “Who in this and most democratic part of the Joey Hung Reporters room has actually voted?” government in Hong Kong. The Nathaniel Suen Aaron Au Choco Chan council itself though possesses very Social Media and Web Jonathan Chan CL Among the dozen 21 and 22-year- limited power, even on community Editors Jonathan Chan CY old journalists-to-be, only one policies and transparency in the Michelle Chan Yanis Chan Phoebe Chau person --Joey, our copy editor--had way taxpayers’ money is spent. Shan Shan Kao Herbert Cheung voted in a by-election at South The people in Hong Kong are Christy Leung Kary Hsu Horizons, Southern District West increasingly aware of their rights Alvin Kor Arisa Lai last year. All the rest will be first in politics, partly credited to the Art Directors Amie Cheng Fred Lai time voters this November. Umbrella Movement, and further Jo Lee Rainie Lam reform in the District Council shall Ann Li Kyle Sun Hilda Lo Writing an election issue with soon be appealed. Lindsy Long no voting experience is a double- Public Relation and Sharon Shi edged sword. Having never Back in the lab (or lounge) one Distribution Officer Janet Sun Tina Cheung Anna Tang experienced voting procedures, editor made the confession that Kumiko Lau Candice Tang timelines and reporting regulations she is not a registered voter and Sharon Tang has to be compensated for with the guy on the sofa moved his stare Advisers Flavia Wong Natalie Wong massive amounts of research away from the computer screen to Robin Ewing Phoebe Wong and planning. But as university her and let out a sigh. Jenny Lam Julieana Wu students, it is easier for us to relate Catherine Xu Design Adviser Charlotte Yang Crystal Tse Wade Chan Terrance Zheng Editor Publisher Alice Lee

The Young Reporter Printer Department of Journalism Volume 48 No. 2 School of Communication 2015 Hong Kong Baptist Correction: Issue 1, October 2015 University

A feature on P.6-9 about the removal of the trees on Bonham Road, as the article correctly noted elsewhere, misstated that a 600-year-old tree instead of four 100-year-old trees were cut down. EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE tyr.hk 4 • FEATURE

By Fred Lai * Edited by Catherine Chen

*Known as District Counicl (Second) functional coustituency 5 • FEATURE 6 • FEATURE

FEATURE The government gender gap: from District Council to LegCo

veryday at 9 pm at Winnie Poon Yam Women’s Commission found that 40 per EWai-chun’s office in Bay, cent of the respondents agreed that men Mrs Poon’s husband waits for her to fin- performed better in political leadership ish so they can go to the market together than females, whereas women performed to pick up ingredients for dinner that better in community service. This puts the Mrs Poon will cook. increasingly politicised District Council in an odd position. Today, an elderly man is asking Mrs Poon where to get a vaccination. A woman drops “Hong Kong is still a Chinese society,” said by, home from her holiday in Malaysia, Odalia Wong Ho Ming-hung, a professor and hands Mrs Poon’s assistant a packet of gender studies at Hong Kong Baptist of pastries. They have a brief chat and she University. “It’s very hard for us to get rid of the concept that ‘men rules the outside soon leaves. Poon Yam Wai-chun world whilst women take care of the Mrs Poon, 61, is the district councillor of The under-representation of women causes household.’” Telford Garden in Kowloon Bay. She was basic female-interest policies, for example elected in 1985 to the then District Boards, constructing breast-feeding facilities for Family support is especially important for which was renamed the District Council in mothers in public, hard to pass, said Ms women who pursue politics, said Ms Lau. 2000. Lau. Mrs Poon agreed. “I wouldn’t have made it For the past 30 years, Mrs Poon has worked “Nobody ever comes to me with a problem without the support of my family and my seven hours a day, five days a week advising about women’s interests, “ she said. “People husband’s family,” she said. her neighbourhood. She is a social worker all care about education, welfare and other by profession, wife to a civil engineer and a things.” Mrs Poon’s eldest child is now 36. “Although mother of three. sometimes I feel that I’ve missed something Ms Lau said more women should join with my children,” said Mrs Poon, “I “I was like taking three jobs at the same policy making in Hong Kong and diversity wonder if they could have turned out any time,” Mrs Poon said, recalling the early in gender would lead to better decision better if I had spent more time with them.” days of her career when her children were making in society. small. “I’m proud of my husband and my marriage. Yum Kwok Tung, who will be running in And having his surname Poon in front of “Being a district councilor is very hard,” she the November election for Kowloon City, my name doesn’t mean I’m any lower than said. “It’s even harder for a woman.” said gender matters little in an election. men,” she added. “Being somebody’s wife is a nice identity.” In the previous District Council, female “Maybe some female candidates are more councillors made up 23 per cent of all relatable, but generally speaking there’s members, the highest proportion of not much difference between males and By Julieana Wu women ever, according to the Home Affairs females when it comes to the poll,” he said. Edited by Natasha Fernandes Department. In the current council, it Although the survey conducted by the dropped to about 21 per cent. That means there are 89 women compared to 418 men for the 18 districts.

However, the number of female registered voters exceeded that of male in 2015 with about 1.9 million women to about 1.8 million men. A survey by the Women’s Commission also shows that women tend to engage more in community activities, which the District Council deals with, compared to men.

“Women’s issues are ignored nowadays,” said lawmaker Wai-hing, who has been elected five times to the Legislative Council since 1991. 7 • FEATURE FEATURE

alf an hour before six Banyan Elected councillors have Htrees in Western District on were chopped little say in district affairs down in August, Central and Western district councillor Wong Kin-shing Residents are reluctant to vote because the outcome received an email. Although he was won’t make any difference. fully aware of the opposition from the local community, there was nothing activities or promote recreational and “Over the past few years, our district he could do to stop the trees from cultural activities within the district, being removed. councillors have not brought any the website says. changes to our community,” said Mr Lam. “Maybe there is nothing for [the “This is notifying, not consulting,” Mr But some councillors doubt if their Wong said. “The government does not councillors] to improve, which is why suggestions are taken seriously by the my vote does not matter.” respect our district council.” government.

Although they are directly elected Emily Lau Wai-hing, chairwoman “When it comes to government of the Democratic Party, agrees that by Hong Kong residents, district policies, the District Council is councillors have little say in the “advisory role” of District Council powerless as an advisory body,” says explains the low turnout. government policies concerning local Kelvin Sin Cheuk-nam, a Democratic communities. The lack of power results Party candidate who is running for Speaking to a group of journalism in a low turnout rate in the council the Central and Western district in the elections. students from Hong Kong Baptist upcoming elections. University, Ms Lau says the lack of

Mr Wong said the Highways power also puts off aspiring politicians He says when the Planning from running in the elections. Department, which was in charge Department asked for their council’s of the removal of the trees, held two advice on the construction of 3,000 meetings with the district council. In this year’s District Council poll, flats. But when most residents in 66 seats have only one candidate Councillors proposed several solutions the area voiced concerns over the such as trimming the leaves, but none running, while in 2011, 76 out of 412 lack of transportation arrangements seats were uncontested. of them was taken in the end. through two consultation sessions organised by the District Council, the “We are sad to see the District Council “Some people would say the District department refused to disclose further Council election is not meaningful, in this state,” said Mr Wong, who will information regarding the project. not run in the upcoming elections. because councillors don’t have power,” Ms Lau says, “It is true.” Mr Sin said when he asked the officials To enhance communication between whether the plan would be scrapped But Mr Sin believes District Councillor the government and residents of or if the transport issues would be Hong Kong, the former colonial can still serve their communities even dealt with, the Planning Department though they have limited power. government established the District offered no details. Boards in 1982. In 2000, the Boards That’s why he is continuing his election campaign. were renamed District Council. Seeing no formal power in the District Council, many HongKongers will not He said instead of lobbying government The Home Affairs Department says bother to vote in the election held in on its website that District Council officials, district councillors can November. The turnout rate of last help locals organise small-scale function as advisory bodies, giving election was 41.49 per cent. suggestions to the government on demonstrations if they want to make proposals. matters affecting “the well-being of the Julian Lam Sai-fung, 20, who lives people in the district.” They also give in the Kadoorie area of Kowloon “These movements will definitely advice on government programmes City, said he would not vote because and the use of public funds as well as have an impact on the government’s district councillors have no impact decisions,” Mr Sin said. public facilities. in his neighbourhood, although it is the first district council election he is If funds are allocated, the District eligible to participate in. Council should use them to improve the environment, spend on community

By Jonathan Chan CL Edited by Viola Zhou 8 • PROFILE

DISTRICT PROFILE District Boundary Map In the 2015 district council elections, 18 districts are divided into 431 constituencies. A total of 3.69 million electors will cast their votes on November 22. TYR highlights profiles in selected constituencies in each district and talks to some of the candidates.

Yuen Long x 35

x 57

Tuen Mun

x 29 Tsuen Wan

x 67 x 18

x 37

x 10

x 20

Islands

Designed by infogr.am North PROFILE • 9 x 18 No. of constituencies District Boundary Map x 36 No. of candidates

Legend

x 35 Tai Po x 57 x 19

x 36

Sha Tin

x 38 x 29 Sai Kung x 81 Tsuen Wan x 27 x 67 x 18

Kwai Tsing x 62 x 37 x 29 Wong Tai Sin x 25 x 61 x 23 Kowloon City x 24 x 53 x 54 Kwun Tong Yau Tsim Mong x 54 x 37 x 19 x 57 x 35 Eastern

Central & Western x 35 x 15 x 65 x 10 x 31 Wan Chai x 20 x 13 x 17

x 23 x 38

Southern DISTRICT10 •FEATURE PROFILE Central and Western he government’s sudden removal on the stone wall trees in the district. little power as they mainly outsource Tof four trees on Bonham Road projects to other companies”, said Mr in August sparked controversy. Tree He pointed out that they could have cut Chan. conservation has since become an issue back some of the branches to reduce the for district council election candidates. weight instead of chopping them down. “It means that the government is not really concerned about the development Nelson Wong Kin-shing, current Central Mr Wong suggested the introduction of and conservation of trees in urban and Western District Councillor from a tree ordinance to give the government areas,” he added. the Democratic Party, disagrees with a guideline on tree conservation. removal of the stone wall trees. He Candidates in Water Street said the Highways Department did not But Chan Hok-fung, District Councillor Yeung Hok-ming consult the council beforehand. from the DAB, disagreed that a tree Bonnie Ng Hoi-yan ordinance was the answer. He believed “The District Council has the right to that the root of the problem was the lack Candidates of Kennedy Town and decide whether or not to remove the of tree conservation experts in Hong Mount Davis stone wall trees,” said Mr Wong. Kong. Siu Cheuk-nam Chow Sai-kit He thought the Secretary of the “The Greening, Landscape and Tree Chan Hok-fung Central and Western District Council Management Section of Development should have been informed before the Bureau should be responsible for the Highways Department made decisions conservation of the trees, yet they have

DISTRICT PROFILE

Wan Chai Blue House is a successful example of revitalisation of Tong Lau. an Chai District Council they might not have significant property owners first and then we can Wconsists of 13 members from 13 historical values, some of them still start to talk about conservation,” he constituencies with the addition of Tin lend much character to the city. Blue said. “The discussion of conservation Hau and Victoria Park constituencies House is a very successful example of must be open to public. Government from the Eastern District and the conservation and renovation. Sadly, and Urban Renewal Authority should abolition of appointed seats in this year there are still cases like the iconic Tung listen to the voice of local residents.” ‘s election. Wan Chai District contains Tak Pawn Shop with over 80 years of 160,000 residents and the voting history being obliterated.. Besides negotiation with property turnout rate in Wan Chai District was owners, Mr Cheng said the only have 37.02 per cent in the 2011 Cheng Ki-kin, a district council councillors still needed to deal election. The turnout was the lowest election candidate, said the decision of with the resettlement of residents. among 18 districts. conservation and revitalisation of the He emphasised the importance for buildings lies in the hands of property the government to launch public Conservation and revival of tong lau, owners. As the projects would require consultation on this matter. walk-up tenement buildings, has a huge amount of money, there would long been a contended issue in Wan not be an easy way out. Candidates of Hennessy Chai district. Some buildings are too Cheng Ki-kin run-down and derelict. Although “We would need to compensate the Cheong Man-lei DISTRICT PROFILE PROFILE • 11 Eastern little power as they mainly outsource astern District, which has the third The pro-establishment councillor “We should gather the residents and projects to other companies”, said Mr biggest council size, faces criticism believed the council needed to work with monitor the district council’s spending. Chan. E over the construction of two Quarry Bay the government on the project. Although many councillors declare their rain shelters worth $210,000 and a $100 interests nowadays, some of them still “It means that the government is not million Chinese opera house in Shau Kei “Residents only care about how much is vote in the vetting committee.” really concerned about the development Wan, with the former turned down. spent on the project but many of them and conservation of trees in urban have not read through the documents The pro-establishment councillor areas,” he added. Current district councilor and Civic about the opera house,” he said. disagreed. Party member Joseph Lai Chi-keong Candidates in Water Street said only half of the facilities in Eastern Mr Lai though believed the opera house “I think the members know when to not Yeung Hok-ming actually benefited residents. will not be put to good use. “Several years vote and when to leave the meeting when Bonnie Ng Hoi-yan ago, there was a temporary Chinese dealing with their interests,” he said. But a pro-establishment councillor opera house in North Point but the usage Candidates of Kennedy Town and who declined to be named, citing legal rate did not reach the target.”. Candidates of Fei Tsui Mount Davis reasons, insistesd that all of the facilities Li Lee Siu Cheuk-nam were useful to residents. He was concerned with how some Joseph Lai Chi-keong Chow Sai-kit groups could get money easily through Lui Chi-man Chan Hok-fung “I will leave the judgment to the people the Council’s vetting committee. because they are the users of those facilities,” he said.

DISTRICT PROFILE Southern eing the only district not covered by “Ocean Park does not bear any social tourist coaches and the development in Bthe railway network in Hong Kong, corporate responsibility but focuses Tin Wan and Wong Chuk Hang district traffic congestion problems have long only on marketing strategies,” said Mr would probably counteract the effect been an issue for Southern district. Tsui. brought by the railway.

During peak hours, Tunnel, Chan Fu-ming, the Chairman of the He believed widening the main roads in the main route for people living in Traffic and Transport Committee in the district is the only way to relieve the Southern District to connect with the Southern district council, pointed out traffic jam. He will continue to work on other parts of the city, is in gridlock. that the increasing number of hotels in solving the traffic congestion problem the district, especially in Tin Wan and by urging the Highways Department to Kevin Tsui Yuen-wa said the increasing Wong Chuk Hang, accommodate more widen the main roads. number of tourists going to Ocean Park tourists and bring more coaches. was the main reason behind the serious Candidates of Wong Chuk Hang traffic congestion in Wong Chuk Hang. He said the new railway might not solve Chan Wing Yan the problem because the number of Kevin Tsui Yuen-wa Blue House is a successful example of revitalisation of Tong Lau.

DISTRICT PROFILE Yau Tsim Mong on-Chinese faces in Yau Tsim council election, putting emphasis on is trying to stop candidates from hijacking NMong District are not uncommon. contributions to ethnic groups. the issue for political purposes. According to Census 2011, more than 11 per cent of the population in the district Benny Yeung Tsz-hei, one of the current “We want to build a caring community belong to ethnic minority groups, which is councillors at Yau Tsim Mong, said ethnic through cooperation with NGOs and six per cent higher than the city’s average minority residents should enjoy more encourage them to help vulnerable rate. District councillors put effort into space for cultural and religious activities. groups, such as the poor, the minorities improving the lives of the different ethnic and new arrivals in YTM,” said chairman groups and helping them integrate into He said he wanted to help ethnic Mr Wong Man-sing said. the community. minorities integrate into local communities. Candidates of Yau Ma Tei South Ethnic minority issues are part of the Au Yeung Tung platform of candidates running in Yau But a group under the district council, Benny Yeung Tsz-hei Tsim Mong in the upcoming district Working Group On Care for Community, ee ee

DISTRICT12 •FEATURE PROFILE Sham Shui Po ccording to the annual example, by employing more Ahygiene report published by cleaners and cleaning the streets the Democratic Alliance for the regularly. Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) in July 2015, Pei Ho Lau Pui-yuk is the DAB’s incumbent Street located in Sham Shui Po is district councilor of Nam Cheong one of the hygiene blackspots with Central constituency and the only severe sanitation issue. candidate in the election so far. She said hygiene conditions improved The report said garbage piled up for a short period of time following next to the hawker stalls at the media reports but conditions intersection between Pei Ho Road became worse then. and Ki Lung Street and the odour was a nuisance for residents. Candidates of Nam Cheong Central Lau Pui-yuk The DAB’s investigative report Mak Wai-ming suggested that the government should do more to improve the hygiene in Sham Shui Po, for Pei Ho Street in Sham Shui Po is crowded. There are many food stalls and retail stores there. DISTRICT PROFILE Kowloon City ead-in-water crisis is high on the for being slow to tackle the crisis. public housing estates regularly.. Lagenda for Jay Li Ting-fung and She thought remedial action such as Yuke Leung Yuen-ting who are running installation of water purifier in the flats Incumbent councillor of Kai Tak for Kai Tak North constituency. and changing water pipes should have constituency Ronald Yeung Chun-yu started earlier. believed the government should have a Mr Li said he had urged the timetable to resolve the problem. construction companies involved to “I want the government to help us bear responsibility. He suggested that install new water pipes as soon as “I believe elected councillors will the government could lower water possible. I really don’t want to get the continue to focus on the water safety charges and rental fees for the residents. clean water downstairs every day,” said issue,” he said. Lau Min-zi, a resident in Kai Ching “We want the Legislative Council to Estate. Candidates of Kai Tak North establish an independent group to Leung Yue-ting investigate the issue,” he added. Both candidates believe that the Miranda Lam Hei-ting government should rebuild the trust of Chan Po-yuk Ms Leung criticised the government residents by testing the water quality at Li Ting-fung

DISTRICT PROFILE Wong Tai Sin ong Tai Sin has the second most Hui Kam-shing, who has been the setting up an accidents and emergency Wdense population in Kowloon, district council member in Chuk Yuen department at Our Lady of Maryknoll with the largest proportion of elderly South constituency for 15 years, told Hospital in the district, but was rejected people among all districts in Hong Kong. TYR that Wong Tai Sin residents desired by the Hospital Authority. for a hospital with emergency services. According to Census 2011, among the 42 “The authority thinks that there is not million residents in Wong Tai Sin, nearly “Time is the key factor in saving lives enough space at the site of the Our Lady 17% of them were aged over 65 years. when accidents happen. If residents of Maryknoll Hospital to set up a new have to be transported to other districts accidents and emergency department,” An aged population put a huge demand for medical treatments, it will take much said Mr Hui. on medical services, especially on longer and their condition may become accident and emergency services. worse,” he said. Candidates of Chuk Yuen South Hui Kam-shing However, no casualty department can be In 2013, Wong Tai Sin District Council Chan Chak-sum found in the district. formed a task force committee to improve medical facilities and proposed ee

PROFILE • 17

DISTRICT PROFILE Kwai Tsing

lder voters form a decisive bloc He said the lack of dental services in the establishment camp] had them vetoed,” Oin Kwai Tsing District Council district has made it difficult for elderly he explained. election. people to get to healthcare centres.The scheme, he said, can benefit the whole Mo Sang-tung of the Democratic Out of the 486,000 Kwai Tsing district regardless of the constituencies. Alliance for the Betterment and residents, 75 per cent live in Kwai Shing Progress said her party decided that she East Estate and Kwai Shing West Estate He said that this was a special case should not accept interviews after she and most of them are 71 or older. and not all of the issues raised by announced her candidacy. councillors could be passed easily in Chow Wai-hung said he targeted to a council. The problem, he believed is Candidates of Kwai Shing East Estate serve elderly people. According to Mr opposing political camps in the council. Chan Yuk-ling Chow, a mobile dental care programme Mo Sang-tung for elderly people has been introduced “Some of the suggested plans were Leung Kwok-Cheong in the Kwai Tsing District. good, and I did not see the point of Rayman Chow Wai-hing opposing them. But then they [pro-

DISTRICT PROFILE Islands

central contention for Discovery “There was a meeting in which the developed for residential purposes but ABay candidates is whether to interested groups and the developer not tourism. open up bus services which is now discussed the possibility of introducing monopolised by HKR International new bus service operators, but it was “As far as I know, residents are satisfied Limited - the main developer of the ended because the developer did not with the small community model and area in the mid-70s. want to introduce competition,” said do not want to be disturbed by visitors,” Ms Yung. Ms Chau said. Current council member for Discovery Bay Amy Yung Residents who do not welcome tourists Wing-sheung said there were calls to disagree that there is a need for more break the monopoly and introduce means of transportation. more competition. A round trip between Sunny Bay and Discovery Bay Chau Chuen-heung, current vice- now costs $20. chairman of Islands District Council, said that Discovery Bay was originally

Candidates in Discovery Bay By Herbert Cheung, Alvin Kor, Janet Sun, Rainie Lam, Chiu Tak-wai Ann Li, Catherine Xu, Natalie Wong, Aaron Au & Kary Hsu Amy Yung Wing-sheung Edited by Thomas Chan, Jackson Ho, Cora Chan, Airis Lin, Jennie Tang, Tsui-see Au Yeung, Shan Kao, Hilary Wu & Mari Chow Hu Ziliang 18 • FEATURE

CANDIDATES Young candidates ready for the race Faced with competition from veteran politicians, candidates in their 20s are determined to win in the election.

ne year after the student-led Occupy Movement, some young Odemocrats are bringing their political passion to the district council election. With the help of supporting groups, they are trying to challenge the established political parties and win over Hong Kong voters.

At the age of 21, Kelvin Sin Cheuk-nam is the youngest candidate the Democratic Party is fielding in the upcoming district council election. Mr Sin said a challenge he faces is the general perception that young people are inexperienced and incapable in politics.

“In my district, being young is definitely not an advantage,” said Mr Sin.

Mr Sin is running for a seat in the Central and Western District’s constituency of Kennedy Town and Mount Davis. Some of his opponents are much older then him.

One of them, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong candidate Chan Hok-fung, is 38 years old and has been working as a district councillor since 2008. Mr Sin Kelvin Sin Cheuk-nam believes voters are likely to suppport experienced politicians.

Baggio Leung Chung-heng Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions vice-chairperson, Chan Yuen-han believes the pro-democracy young candidates will not pose a threat to the pro-establishment camp.

“Young people have a passion for politics,” said the 68-year-old legislator. “But they lack the ability to think and analyse the situation comprehensively like expereienced polticians like us.”

Despite the obstacles, many young candidates are determined to run.

Baggio Leung Chung-heng, convenor of a new political group , said running for district councillor was not only about gaining seats, but to change people’s perception.

Youngspiration, which aims to become a voice for young people, are sending nine candidates aged from 23 to 29 to run in the election. The group positions itself as a “third power,” which means it neither belongs to the pro-Beijing camp nor the pro- democracy camp. “We want to make an impression that offering giveaways is not the only promotional strategy for district councillors,” Mr Leung said. “Apart from serving the community, we work with all stakeholders in the community to create a better society.”

Mr Sin said young candidates have their own strengths. For example, young residents tend to vote for people of a similar age, whom they believe are more likely to understand their needs.

Since most of the young candidates from the post-Occupy groups lack of election experience, some organisations act as supporting groups for the aspiring young candidates.

A group named “80s Momentum” is one of them. The group was formed in April 2015 by the post-80s generation who stationed at Causeway Bay during the Occupy Movement. Its task now is to Kevin Ko Tim-fai help new faces in the upcoming district council election.

“We also want to fight for democracy after the Occupy Movement, Anthony Cheong Yan-ying but being frontline fighters isn’t the only way,” said Kevin Ko Tim-fai, director of 80s Momentum.

Mr Ko said the group organised workshops and invited former councillors to share their experience and give advice.

“Equipping fellow young people with the skills to run for an election is how we fight for democracy after the protest,” said Anthony Cheong Yan-ying, another director of the organisation.

By Choco Chan, Jonathan Chan CY Edited by Tina Cheung, Kumiko Lau 20 • SURVEY

SURVEY Discontent with the government matters most in university students’ votes TYR poll on university-student voters said Occupy Movement will affect their votes.

ore than three-quarters of than 80 per cent of them were under 21 the political awareness among the young. Muniversity students will decide years old. 59 per cent will be voting for He said the survey results prove that the who to vote for in the district council the first time. government has lost the support of the election based on their dissatisfaction younger generation after the Occupy with the government’s performance, Dr Martinez Lopez, associate professor Movement. according to a survey conducted by of Public Policy at City University of TYR. Hong Kong, said a parallel should not be Professor of Public Administration of drawn between social movements and Open Dr Percy The second determining factor for the the election. Lui Luen-tim said the movement has poll in November is a wish to show their made youngsters feel powerless against political stance, followed by hope for “Protests in the streets are about the the government. better services in their districts, conflict mass and symbolic claims challenging between Hong Kong and the mainland the government, but elections are about He said the youngsters’ voices are and the influence of social media. individuals and political parties,” he being ignored, and other factors such said. as the widening wealth gap and low Although 74 per cent of those asked social mobility may also contribute to a said they supported the Occupy Central Dr Lopez said local district elections general disappointment among the new movement last year, 73 per cent felt the were more related to the urban, social, generation. movement did not achieve what the economic, and political environment of organizers wanted. While 48 per cent a particular district. “If university students remains said Occupy Central will affect whom indifferent to what is happening in the they will vote for, it ranked fifth among However, about half of the respondents society, we have no hope,” Dr Lui said. other reasons. said the Occupy Central have an influence on their vote. The survey was conducted in early October. The questionnaires were sent Deputy Secretary General of The Hong By Fred Lai, Arisa Lai, out using Facebook and Whatsapp. Kong Federation of Students Victor Iona McNab & Terrence Zhang Nearly all of the respondents said they Wong Hon-leung reckoned that the Edited by Joey Hung, were undergraduates (95%) and more Occupy Central movement has raised Catherine Chen & Amie Cheng 21 • FEATURE Ways respondents find out about candidates

Age composition

Factors affecting voters 22 • FEATURE

FEATURE Hong Kong’s election age limit: ageist or practical?

illiam Lloyd, formerly a British Conservative member Wof parliament, was elected at the age of 18 in 2007, a year after the eligible age for candidacy was lowered from 21.

“The simple fact of the matter is that no one has life experience completely, no one knows everything,” Mr Lloyd told BBC.

In Hong Kong, the age limit for running in both the District Council or Legislative Council election is 21, though the age limit for voting is 18.

Joshua Wong Chi-fung said the age limit ignores 18 to 20-year- olds’ right to stand for election.

The 19-year-old Scholarism convenor filed a judicial review to Hsueh Cheng-yi debates the use of agricultural land in Taiwan’s council. challenge the age ceiling on his birthday this month in hope to run in the LegCo election next year. Taiwanese under the age of 23 applied to run for the election last year but were all rejected. “It is quite ironic. For anyone running for the election of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the “The more experienced the councillors are, the less willing they age limit is just 18 years old,” said Mr Wong. are in taking part in discussion of controversial topics,” said Ms Hsueh. “Because they don’t want to offend anybody at the cost Responses are split, with critics arguing that young people of losing their seats.” below 21 lack life as well as political experience. Mr Wong of Scholarism also criticised the “severe ageing Chun-yan of the Democratic Party said Mr problem” in the Legislative Council during a radio show. The Wong’s proposal lacks insight. “He could run for the election average age now for the Hong Kong’s Legislative Council is 57 and criticise us, but legislators are elected. It’s the voters’ whilst that in District Council is 46.3. decisions,” he said. Chung Kim­-wah, associate professor in Social Sciences at He said it is unfair to say older legislators in council elections Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said the age ceiling reflects constitute an ageing problem in Hong Kong politics. “Hillary society’s perception of rights and responsibilities. Clinton is 68, Joe Biden is 72. Can you say there is an ageing problem in the US?” Mr Ho said. “Countries with higher age limits regard experience as a vital factor of considering if the candidate is suitable. But “Of course we lack experiences, because we are still young,” some consider that citizens have to bear their own legal said 25-year-old Hsueh Cheng-yi, the youngest councillor responsibilities at the age of 18, which is a recognition of in Taiwan. “But experiences can be accumulated when I am maturity,” said Dr Chung. serving the community.” He said young politicians, for example 20-year-old British An environmental activist who is involved in several NGOs, MP Mhairi Black of the Scottish National Party, can deliver Ms Hsueh said the Sunflower Student Movement -- a student- strong messages and therefore, society should not jump led protest against a trade treaty between Taiwan and China to the conclusion that young people cannot bear political that failed to overturn the legislature’s decision -- inspired her responsibilities. to make a change through the system. However, Dr Chung said he questions how much young “The experience made me realise we need somebody to step politicians can actually change if on the council. into the council and make a change while there are already enough NGOs catching public attention on different issues,” “You should not expect drastic changes if only one or a few she said. young candidates are elected. But at least, there is youth representation voice in the council,” said Dr Chung. In Taiwan, only residents aged 23 or above can stand for elections whilst the average age of the Legislative Yuan, By Christy Leung Taiwan’s legislature, is 52. To protest against the age limit, Edited by Crystal Tse NEWS • 23

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[email protected] The Young Reporter run by HKBU journalism students since 1969 24 • FEATURE

SUPER SEATS Who will take over the “super seats”? The Young Reporter team talks to “super seats” lawmakers about the future of the District Council (Second) functional constituency.

What are “super seats”?

The District Council (Second) In the past, less than 230,000 out of 3.3 change the phenomenon that 6.71 functional constituency, “super seats,” millions voters had an extra vote on per cent voters control half of the was introduced in the 2012 Legislative functional constituency. Starting from Legislative Council. Council election as a functional 2012, the remaining 3 million people constituency. There are five seats, can cast a second vote on the candidate while the rest of the 28 only consist of who is an elected district councillor. one to three seats. The super seats were one of the The implementation of the super seats products in the political reform passed were to make LegCo more democratic. in 2010. The government tried to

“District councillors should set examples for the people”

The MTR’s by-laws leave a loophole For both the District Council and allowing mainland parallel goods traders Legislative Council elections, members to transport their ware, while local have to contribute to their communities students were caught bringing oversized in order to gain support,said Mr To. musical instruments. On that debate, pan-democrats Kun-sun held a The TYR team tried to contact Starry press conference to remind the MTR that Lee Wai-king, the lawmaker from the there were similar issues seven years ago. Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, but we “The MTR bully the good people and failed to interview Kowloon City District fear the evil ones. It is crucial to speak up councillor. for people, and feel what they feel. This is what district councillors should do.”

“I have spent most of my time on Starry Lee Wai-king, the Democratic Alliance for the improving the district, and this is my Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong responsibility,” said Mr To. 25 • FEATURE

While two seasoned “super seats” councillors attempt to step down to give younger members a chance, another two are still determined to win in the District Council election. They are pan-democrats Kin-kee and James To Kun-sun.

“There are no strategies to win the Association for Democracy and People’s issues constantly and communicate with election but to be diligent. You would Livelihood (ADPL), as well a member of the neighborhood. need to review what you have done if the Sham Shui Po District Council. you cannot even get ten supporters -- the “I insist on making home visits once a minimum requirement for nomination Having been a district councillor for week to know what is happening and to in the Legco election,” said Mr Fung, nearly two decades, Mr Fung believes understand people’s hard feelings.” the former chairman of Hong Kong councillors need to follow-up on local

Frederick Fung expects ADPL to win more district seats

Mr Fung would not comment on how “I would say even if the pro-Beijing other candidates do in the next district camp has financial support, it is not a council election. But he aspires to threat,” he added. his own party. “I certainly wish we can obtain more than 16 seats in the The Sham Shui Po District councillor coming election, since the ADPL is said it was necessary to vote for now facing the pro-Beijing camp.” someone who could really help the community. “My district, my home. I The ex-chairman of ADPL believed would give whatever resources that the party has been unfairly discredited are needed to my neighborhood.” in some of the districts they serve.

Frederick Fung Kin-kee, Association for Democracy and Peoples Livelihood

“District councillors should set examples for the people” “Pro-democratic party needs citizens’ support” Confident but refuses to predict

In 2012, the pro-democratic party won three seats out Mr Fung is now focusing on the District Council poll and of five in this youngest functional constituency. Upon would not speculate on how he might do in the Legco the veto of the Chief Executive electoral reform last election next year. He just wanted to do what he always did year, it is important to have local people’s support for as a district councillor and a super-seat Legislative Council the pro-democratic party in order to create power, said member. Mr To. “I have confidence, but not complacent,” said Mr Fung. “No “The pro-Beijing camp has a powerful backing, and matter who would be the opponents, I am always who I they would have secured seats at the Legislative am.” Council once the District Council members are elected,” he stressed. “It is wrong to consider district council election as the admission ticket to the five super seats,” said Mr Fung, “We should rather focus on improving people’s livelihood.” 26 • FEATURE

James To: assured but no comment on “super seat”

“I would not say anything about the coming The seats have been a fight between the election that has not happened yet; but as two camps. “It depends on how many a present district councillor, I would say I district councillors of the democratic camp have confidence,” said Mr To. would be elected, then eventually those more famous would have a better chance of Among the five legislative super seats, getting nominated.” Mr To, winning over 300,000 votes, had a landslide victory. “I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic towards the next election. Nomination for “It is encouraging, but it does not mean the Legco election within the Democratic much when there are only five of us Party has yet to happen,” said Mr To, “I do to compare with,” the Yau Tsim Mong not wish to make any predictions.” councillor said.

It’s all about time management

Among the five super-seat councillors, He also highlighted the importance Mr Ho had the lowest attendance in of having high popularity since the the District Council. Mr Ho explained candidates had to deal with millions that the District Council and Legco of voters. meetings often clashed. James To Kun-sun, Democractic Party “A super seat doesn’t offer you a Mr Ho advised young candidates, ‘super’ or a ‘transcendent’ position. It who might run for the super seat only means you are held accountable constituency, to pay attention to “have to a larger number of voters.” better time management, (as) you’ll need to handle both sides.”

Time to let young candidates take over: Albert Ho considers stepping down

Another political heavyweight, Albert Mr Ho said it was a good sign to have The pro-establishment camp Ho Chun-yan, has devoted 20 years some new blood to rejuvenate the was promising young politicians to the Legislative Council and the 21-year-old Democratic Party. The opportunities as they climbed up the Democratic Party. He would “very youngest candidate the Party fielded is political ladder and that had lured probably” not run for the super seats in only 21 years old. many to join. But Mr Ho said they next year’s Legislative Council election, might be put off by political pressure. but he would still contest next month’s “I’m so encouraged to see that the district council election, seeking to younger generation has gained continue in office in Tuen Mun. political awareness after the Umbrella Movement,” said Mr Ho. According Mr Ho was voted into one of the super to him, participating in social seats after he lost the 2012 Chief events could be “life-changing” for Executive election. He believed his youngsters. fame could earn him a place in this broadly represented constituency. The veteran politician admitted that running for an election these days was “It’s time for me to step down and “much more difficult” than in the past, allow some young people to take especially for the pan-democrats. “You up this challenge,” said the former need courage and conviction to join an Democratic Party chairman. opposition party.”

Albert Ho Chun-yan, Democractic Party 27 • FEATURE

“Sister Han”: the government offers no relief on high rent The seats have been a fight between the two camps. “It depends on how many district councillors of the democratic camp Wong Tai Sin District councillor Chan “Super seats may be a product of political “Behind it all are the real estate tycoons would be elected, then eventually those Yuen-han was one of the winners. The compromise, but they are somehow playing games among themselves, and the more famous would have a better chance of Hong Kong Federation of Trade Union effective,” said Ms Chan, who is not government simply has no policy to solve getting nominated.” representative had been known as the running in this district council election. the problem,” said Ms Chan. “queen of votes”, but she only ranked Coming from the labour sector, Ms Chan “I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic number four out of the five super seaters. said she clearly understood the Hong towards the next election. Nomination for Kong’s economic situation and how it has the Legco election within the Democratic She has witnessed the evolution of Hong failed those on low income. Party has yet to happen,” said Mr To, “I do Kong’s electoral methods since the last days not wish to make any predictions.” of British ruling. Ms Chan said the ultimate The rent of studio spaces in Kwun Tong’s goal of the central government is to factory buildings, for example, have jumped maintain checks and balances on different from $2 per square foot to $20, something parties in the Legco. those in the creative industry can barely afford.

Ms Chan believed last year’s “I hope that people will not Umbrella Movement was a great pretend to be in the pro- opportunity for people, especially establishment camp as they do the youngsters, to think more in the pan-democrats just so that about Hong Kong. they can become heroes,” she said. She was hopeful of the candidates who would fight for her seat. Her She hoped there would come a advice to them: protect labour time when Hong Kong people rights, fight for gender equality, could have a peaceful heart and reform the mandatory could think critically to know fund hedging mechanism, and their stance. Chan Yuen-han, Hong Kong Federation of Trade Union improve retirement protection.

The “queen of votes” will eventually leave politics

“Super seats may be a product of where “self-contradicting” and “Eventually, people of my time will political compromise, but they are “tearing-harmony-apart” arguments leave. I don’t know how long I would somehow effective,” said Ms Chan, who were always raised. She wanted to still be alive so I told myself not to be is not running in this district council devote herself to serving the district. stubborn,” she said. election. “Objectively speaking, political She pointed out that issues are being considerations and the fact that Legco discussed and debated over and over refused to pass the political reform again in Legco everyday. She felt bored package are also reasons for me not to By Phoebe Chau, and pointless staying in the Council, run in the poll,” she said. Michelle Chan & Sharon Tang Edited by Nathaniel Suen, Joanne Lee & Joanna Wong E M A I L [email protected]

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