Trainer of new blood planning for growth
As the talent-trainer of the city's largest political party, Greg So Kam-leung hopes the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong can grow to a force 50,000 to 100,000 strong by the time Hongkongers get to elect their chief executive by universal suffrage in 2017.
The 49-year-old lawyer was widely tipped recently for a post of undersecretary under the government's expanded political-appointee system. While denying he had been approached, Mr So said he would consider joining the government if an opportunity came up.
Mr So, who has been with the DAB for 11 years, was elevated to one of its four vice-chairman posts last year. He is the youngest of the vice-chairmen and is the founder of the youth arm - the Young DAB. His work focuses on nurturing new blood and internal party management.
'Universal suffrage needs 'fittings',' he said. 'I believe that when direct election for the chief executive is implemented in 2017, it will not be only a race among individuals, but candidates will also have to present their proposed ministerial team to residents.'
He said the administration would need to draw on talent from political parties and the business community.
'Political parties will engage in a battle for talent, just as companies compete for the best employees.'
Mr So's personal goal was for the DAB's membership to multiply by 2017. But he expected recruitment to slow down in the near term, as membership had grown rapidly from just 1,600 to 11,000 in the last four years while the staff team had not expanded to provide necessary support.
On the launch of two new levels of political appointees in April, Mr So declined to say how many names his party had recommended, but said it would be good for the DAB to have members working in the administration. 'Even if these appointees finally decide to pursue a long-term career in the government ... their experience would help push forward corporate governance of the party,' he said.
'But for the time being, I don't have the conviction.'
