LegCo election forums resume with disaster relief focus

Government-organized Legislative Council election forums resumed on Wednesday after a brief suspension prompted by the deadly five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

The first session in the morning featured candidates from the functional constituency representing deputies to the National People’s Congress, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and related national organizations.

The forums have been modified in light of the tragedy. Cheerleading and slogan-chanting segments have been removed, while additional content relating to disaster relief and emergency support has been incorporated. Participants also observed a one-minute silence before the start of the session to honor the victims.

During the forum, DAB incumbent Brave Chan Yung, who is seeking re-election, expressed condolences to those who died in the fire. He pledged that, if elected, he would work with the government to follow up on the Buildings Ordinance and Fire Services Ordinance to ensure similar disasters do not recur. He also voiced support for the government’s plan to form an independent committee to review the incident.

Another candidate, Rex Lai Tat-shing, who identified himself as having no political affiliation, thanked the central authorities for their support and care for Hong Kong, as well as the emergency personnel involved in rescue operations.

He said national organizations have the mobilizing power to bring together youth and retired professionals to participate in relief efforts in the disaster area, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity.

The government announced yesterday that the Legislative Council election will proceed as scheduled on Sunday. The remaining eight functional constituency forums will be held today and tomorrow, four each day.