Journalists' group facing leadership vacuum

Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman Ronson Chan Ron-sing, who is not seeking reelection, said it would be difficult for the group to operate without a leader.

Speaking on radio yesterday, Chan said that if the position of chairman is left vacant after the annual general meeting on June 15, it will be difficult for HKJA to operate. But Chan said it is still a long way before the group is dissolved.

On social media, Chan wrote that he decided not to seek a third term after listening to different opinions and analyses. He believed remaining as HKJA leader would not be best for the association.

"It seems that the attacks and attention brought by 'Ronson Chan' and the 'HKJA' are far more than those brought about by the two separately," Chan said.

According to the HKJA constitution, the chairperson shall be elected annually by secret ballot at the AGM, serve for one year, and be eligible for re-election for three consecutive terms.

After taking the role from former HKJA chairman Chris Yeung Kin-hing in June 2021, Chan said he had initially planned to seek reelection. However, the deadline for nominations was Tuesday.

He decided not to participate in the election for both the chairman and the executive committee.

Chan said the association has faced huge stress since December 29, 2021, when Stand News ceased its operations and that the then-executive committee had to "assess the situation and direction every day, and make decisions on the future of the HKJA."

He was remorseful that, unlike his predecessors, he could not find a candidate for chairmanship.

He said Hong Kong needs press freedom and journalists, and hoped aspiring members would come forward after realizing the situation.

Chan added that if no one comes forward, an interim committee will be set up to hold a by-election and change the nomination period until someone is elected.

"To be honest it is hard to find someone to be the chairman, and I even think it is impossible that we can find someone willing to do so," he said.

"If one has to take up the chairman's role, he or she will have to take unnecessary risks."

He claimed that over the past week, newspaper articles opposed his re-election campaign.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com