Democratic district councillors are to take the oath

Shatin district council chairman said he would take the oath along with the others, including Tung Chung councilor Wong Chun-yeung who made a U turn.

Ching Cheung-ying, chairman of Shatin district council, said he was not aware of anyone who would not take the oath so far. "Unless there are some sudden shifts in the arrangement, I will still take the oath as of now." 

Last month, the government announced new requirements for district councillors to take an oath swearing to uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the government, a day after a senior official in China’s cabinet said provisions should be made to ensure “patriots” were running Hong Kong.

Secretary for Mainland and Constitutional Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said politicians who violated the oath will be barred from election for five years.

Soon after the announcement, Wong said he would resign once the bill was passed. However, he announced on Facebook on Saturday that he would take the oath instead. "Eventually I have decided to stay and take the oaty. Staying will give me one more tool. Even though slogans are banners, but for now, it is not that important."

Another Yau Tsim Mong councilor Chan Tsz-wai also said he would take the oath. He said his decision was made because of the neighbourhood's support. "They know that I am not afraid of authority, and I work hard." He added there were many overly-expensive maintenance when the pro-establishment was in charge in the past. 

Chan also said the public security in China had talked with his relatives living in the mainland.

However, some district councilors remained undecided whether to take the oath or not.

Tsuen Wan district council chairman Sumly Chan Yuen-sum said he needed to know the content of the oath before making the decision. He said he would take the oath if the oath was similar to the promises he had to make while signing up to be a district councilor.

Tuen Mun district council chairman Josephine Chan Shu-ying also said she needed to know more about the requirements before deciding. "Right now, we are not very clear about the amended bill. Therefore, I cannot say for certain whether I will take the oath."

She said the Tuen Mun district council had a meeting earlier this month, and agreed to submit a petition letter to the Secretary for Mainland and Constitutional Affairs, requesting him to consult the district councils before gazetting the bill.

"For example, after I take the oath, who will decide that I have violated it? Will there be any legal proceedings to judge that and unseat me?" she questioned. "These details will definitely affect our decisions in the end." 

Wong Tai Sin district council chairman Hui Kam-shing, who is also a member of the Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood, said the party was yet to decide.