Regina Ip revives divisive issues, including Article 23, as she enters Hong Kong chief executive race

Ex-minister vows to resurrect political reform and national security legislation as well as taking on city’s housing, social and economic problems

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Regina Ip announces her bid for the city’s top job, vowing to ‘walk the extra mile for Hong Kong’. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 4:00pm, 15 Dec 2016Updated: 2:32am, 16 Dec 2016

Lawmaker and former minister Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee on Thursday announced her intention to revive two of Hong Kong’s most contentious political issues – democratic reform and national security legislation – as she launched her campaign for the city’s top job with plans to tackle housing, social and economic problems.

Her manifesto sporting the slogan “Win Back Hong Kong” fired a broadside at potential election rival Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, accusing the government of being “over-conservative in public finance, and falling short of being a leader in economic development”.

Watch: Regina Ip announces chief executive bid

Ip unveiled her strategy to become the city’s chief executive at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, flanked by more than 20 supporters on stage, including professionals and her party’s legislative and district councillors.

The former security minister projected herself as well positioned to improve ties between Hong Kong and the mainland, bridge the gap between the city’s executive and legislative branches, and bring the administration closer to the people.

“Over the past few years, [there has been] unprecedented division and hostility among Hong Kong’s society ... I feel my call is to stand forward and walk the extra mile for Hong Kong, leading Hong Kong to the better future that it deserves,” she said.