A rural leader hopes a proposed new political party to represent indigenous villagers’ interests can win four seats in two constituencies in the coming Legislative Council election.
Bowie Hau Chi-keung, an ex-officio member of the Heung Yee Kuk and chairman of the Sheung Shui rural committee, said the ideal case would be the new party fielding candidates in the New Territories East and West constituencies, and winning two seats in each.
Hau, speaking during a Commercial Radio talk show on Thursday, said that about 40 to 50 per cent of 200,000 registered voters in each of the constituencies had not voted in past elections.
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He said the new party, which the kuk is considering forming, could win seats if it could garner support from 20 to 30 per cent of these previously inactive voters.
“My dream scenario would be winning two seats in [New Territories East] ... and two others in New Territories West,” he said. Indigenous villagers are now represented by the kuk’s chairman in the Legco.
Hau however hinted that he was unlikely stand for election.
“I am an unambitious man. See who comes out,” he said.
“I am used to pulling horses. I fear riding on one would be [too] much of a pain.”
Hau said the villagers’ interests had not been represented by any other political organisations, and they needed one besides the kuk, which he said acted more as a link between the government and the villagers.
Hau also said the small house policy should be revamped and restrictions on resale of indigenous villagers’ houses should be scrapped. He said this could help increase the supply of residential units in the city.