Tony Mak calls for professional, compassionate leaders in LegCo election after Tai Po fire

With Hong Kong still reeling from the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, ICBC (Asia) executive Tony Mak has urged voters to back candidates blending expert knowledge with genuine care for the community in Sunday's Legislative Council election, arguing that such leadership is essential to tackle safety risks, boost resilience, and restore the city's path to prosperity.

The blaze that ravaged the Tai Po public housing estate has plunged the city into deep mourning while laying bare longstanding dangers in building maintenance and the broader need for stronger societal safeguards through skilled governance.

In a public appeal ahead of the December 7 polls, Mak stressed that the disaster serves as a stark reminder of how urgent it is to address these challenges with forward-thinking policies shaped by professionals.

He described expertise as society's greatest strength, seen in the bravery of emergency responders as well as in the analytical skills required to guide economic strategies, fair taxation, and long-term city planning.

Hong Kong's global success in areas like finance and law has long relied on high-caliber professionals, and Mak argued that the current mix of local and international pressures demands council members equipped with deep knowledge in fields such as financial oversight, welfare reform, and tech advancement to craft effective solutions.

Yet professional ability alone falls short without a heartfelt connection to ordinary people, Mak added, warning that true progress depends on ensuring everyone experiences justice and support from the system.

Future lawmakers must combine big-picture thinking on structures and rules with sensitivity to everyday struggles, like cramped living conditions for families, medical access for seniors and survival challenges for local shops.

By turning specialist insights into measures that put residents first, they can make sure economic gains lead to real improvements in quality of life.

Mak framed the upcoming vote as a defining moment far beyond just selecting representatives, viewing it instead as a shared decision on Hong Kong's future direction.

Each vote carries weighty responsibility, he said, encouraging the public to support those who can use their abilities to fix flaws, build agreement through practical approaches, and reinforce stability out of devotion to the city.

He called on everyone to make use of their voting rights, noting that the choice will decide if Hong Kong stays stuck in cycles of frustration or begins building toward greater safety, equality, and growth.

Through thoughtful selections on election day, residents can help launch a fresh phase of development for the city.