More casualties in ranks of pan-dem district councillors

Democratic Party district councillor Andrew Wan Siu-kin and two others have resigned, saying they cannot perform their duties while in jail custody after being charged with subversion for joining the pro-democracy primary elections.

Also being detained in the case are Eastern district councillor Andy Chui Chi-kin and Yuen Long district councillor Henry Wong Pak-yu, who resigned from their positions within the past week.

The resignations came right before the Legislative Council is set to pass a bill tomorrow requiring district councillors to pledge allegiance to the SAR and uphold the Basic Law.

At least 20 district councillors have quit over the past six months. Seven of them were among 47 activists and politicians detained since late February for subversion under the national security law for taking part in the primary elections last July.

In an open letter, Wan said he was resigning from his post as a Kwai Tsing district councillor after serving the community for 18 years as he could not function while being detained for breaching the security law and nine other charges.

"It's an era where traditional values and ethics have collapsed," Wan wrote.

"As a victim of arbitrary arrest and prosecution, I can no longer execute my duties as a district councillor. Therefore, it is time for me to bid farewell to my public office career after 18 years.

"I have lived my life without any regret. Resigning as a councillor also does not mean I am leaving the camp or no longer care about social affairs, but I promise I will return as soon as possible and safeguard Hong Kong."

Chui wrote in social media that as he is currently in custody he is unable to work as a councillor.

"I beg for your forgiveness as I really have no choice but to leave the district council," he said. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who have supported and encouraged me."

The Home Affairs Department confirmed yesterday that Wong had already resigned. And the website of the Yuen Long District Council showed Wong's term came to an end last Tuesday.

Two Tai Po district councillors, Max Wu Yiu-cheong and Dalu Lin Kok-cheung, said they tendered their resignations to the Home Affairs Department on Sunday night.

Wu said he decided to resign and look for other ways to defend Hongkongers' beliefs as there is no longer room for him to pursue his aspirations in public office, adding that he will also part ways with the Neo-Democrats.

Lin took to social media to say he arrived at his decision after much thinking.

He said his decision to resign or take the oath to pledge allegiance to the SAR and uphold the Basic Law was not an easy one and called on people to support councillors who decide to stay on.

Meanwhile, the legislature is expected to pass the Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) amendment bill after it resumes its second reading tomorrow.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com