No more centralists as patriots are now the mainstream, says Tam Yiu-chung

Patriots are now the mainstream in local politics and there are no more centralists, said former member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Tam Yiu-chung. 

Tam also said only very few people would be classified as anti-Hong Kong and China forces, and the political categorization in the past doesn’t deem fit anymore as there need not too many labels. 

Tam further narrowed down the definition of anti-Hong Kong and China forces, saying the term refers to people disqualified of their seats in councils, convicted of crimes and those who flee overseas. 

He added the centralist camp lacks supporters as it has a rather unclear political stand and some people may even pretend to be a centralist. 

Still, these centralists should also be seen as patriots if they respect the “one country, two systems” principle and the Central Government’s sovereignty over the SAR, and value national security, the pro-Beijing heavyweight noted. 

When asked if the city can still maintain a “colorful” political spectrum, Tam said that citizens and professionals from all walks of life and different backgrounds can now participate in politics. Politically speaking they all are patriots, he added. 

Tam believed Executive Councilor Ronny Tong Ka-wah – once a member of the Civic Party – and chairman of centralist Third Side party Tik Chi-yuen are both patriots “for sure”. 

Members of the Democratic Party who are not disqualified or convicted can be seen as patriots as well. Yet, whether they can run in District Council elections depends on if the candidates can obtain sufficient nominations from the districts Fight Crime Committee, Fire Safety Committee, and Area Committee.