Just two pro-democracy councillors to continue

Only two of the 55 incumbent pro-democracy district councillors have plans to seek reelection as many of them worried it will be difficult for them to do their job under the reformed district council.

This came as the nomination period for the district council election, slated for December 10, will be open on October 17.

But there are only two incumbent pro-democracy councillors planning to seek reelection. They are Democratic Party's Leo Chu Tsz-lok and the Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood Chow Kai-lim.

Another 13, including Sham Shui Po district councilor Ramon Yuen Hoi-man, are leaning towards not seeking reelection.

"I have never thought a district councilor's job responsibility will be changed to supporting and assisting the government in policy promotion," Yuen said, adding that he will continue monitoring the government and serving the community after leaving office.

The remaining ones said they are still considering, including Tsuen Wan district council chairman Sumly Chan Yuen-sum, who have served Lei Muk Shui for over 38 years.

"The most worrying part is resources, with no change in the resources given by the government, how am I going to serve my constituency that is 10 times bigger with the same amount of resources?" Chan said.

He therefore is listening to the views of citizens in his constituency.

Former chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong Starry Lee Wai-king said the pro-democracy politicians might not have worked hard enough when they found obtaining nominations challenging.

"If they are already finding it difficult, did they even pay an effort to obtain a nomination? Even if DAB members do not have guaranteed nominations. We have to obtain nominations through our own effort, it is a fair competition for everyone," Lee said.