Protest lawyers join in law society race

Five lawyers considered more “liberal”, including three who have volunteered to help protesters involved in court cases, are running in this year's Law Society council member elections on May 28.

The candidates said the two Beijing offices in charge of Hong Kong affairs have given the public the feeling they are interfering in the SAR's domestic affairs.

The candidates standing for election include Kenneth Lam, Janet Pang Ho-yan, Michelle Tsoi Wing-tak, Chan Ka-ho and Davyd Wong.

Pang, a member of the Civic Party, said yesterday: "The central government liaison office in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office voicing their views gives people the feeling they are interfering with Hong Kong's domestic affairs.

"We think that if huge legal controversies arise in society, society should endeavor to emphasize the differences between the legal systems in Hong Kong and mainland China as soon as possible," she added

This came after the two offices recently commented on issues regarding the Legislative Council and the "yellow economy" that is supported by the protest movement, among others, sparking concerns they may have breached Article 22 of the Basic Law.

The president of the Law Society, Melissa Pang Kaye, has said that the issue is being looked into.

The five candidates hope the Law Society can announce the result as soon as possible.

"The Law Society is not a political organization and as a result should stay politically neutral," Tsoi said.

"However, if there are social issues involving legal matters, the Law Society can offer legal advice."

"We believe all council members will put aside their political views in council meetings, and focus on legal discussions and matters related to the rule of law," Chan said in response to Pang's party membership.

The Law Society of Hong Kong is a legal professional body for practicing solicitors.

Its governing council consists of 20 members, with an intake of five new members each year to replace the five longest-serving ones.

The terms of former society president Stephen Hung Wan-shun, Billy Ma Wah-yan, Cecilia Wong Ng Kit-wah, Warren Ganesh and Robert Rhoda will end in May.

It is understood that Ganesh and Rhoda will stand for reelection.