Democratic Party picks ‘mild, not controversial’ Lo Kin-hei to lead it through turbulent times for Hong Kong opposition
- Party’s new chairman keen to regain presence in Legco, hopes to contest elections next year
- Lo, 36, aims to reach out to younger Hongkongers through his strong social media presence
Lo Kin-hei is not someone widely recognised in Hong Kong, but it looks like that is about to change.
At 36, the registered social worker and opposition politician has just become the youngest person to helm the city’s largest traditional pan-democratic party.
He was elected chairman of the Democratic Party early this month, at possibly the lowest point for opposition politicians and at a time when many are wondering if the party ought to contest elections again.
The resignations have all but wiped out the opposition bloc in the legislature, raising questions about the effectiveness of the walkout.
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In an interview with the Post, Lo said he had no definite answers yet as Hong Kong’s political climate was changing by the day, but he was keen for the party to regain a presence in Legco.
He has never contested Legco elections himself, despite being the party’s vice-chairman for eight years, a district councillor since 2011 and being considered twice as a possible candidate.
“I was not ready,” he said. “But I guess it is time for me to fight this battle. I am ready to participate in the forthcoming legislative elections and play the game.
“Being a pan-democratic lawmaker nowadays brings the risk of being prosecuted and going to jail, and I have prepared myself for that.”
Lo succeeded former lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, 58, who stepped down after four years as chairman of the party formed in 1994.
“We know the legislature in future will be dominated by the pro-establishment camp … but we might still participate to show the existence of protest votes. Of course, we will have to tell the public the reasons for what we do,” he said.
Describing himself as “mild and not controversial”, Lo said he intended reaching out to younger Hongkongers to let them know that politics was still worth fighting for in the city.
“Compared to my predecessors, I am a chairman who is more active on social media and can possibly communicate better with younger activists,” he said.
He has 21,000 followers on Twitter and is active on Facebook as well.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lo, who is unmarried, said he had no deep connection with mainland China.
“My priority is definitely the Hong Kong people. I am more local and will always make decisions in the best interests of Hongkongers,” he said.
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By describing himself in those terms, Lo differentiated himself from some of his party’s veterans who long hoped for democracy to flourish not only in Hong Kong, but also throughout China.
That older generation was sometimes accused by younger pan-democrats of being too idealistic, and also led to the party being attacked by other young activists and localists.
Lo hoped to show younger Hongkongers what his party stood for.
“As a politician, it is my responsibility to put aside emotion and explain our beliefs to others,” Lo said. “Most of these young people and our supporters are not hostile, they just do not know why the Democratic Party made some decisions, and we should explain.”
He knows his party well, having joined soon after graduating from university and spending almost half his life watching it change over the years.
“The Democratic Party has often been labelled a ‘mild’ political party, but lately, others have described us as being more radical,” he said. “This only proves that society has gone way too wrong, and even the Democratic Party has had to step up.”
Lo considered himself “a lucky one” because, compared to some of his party colleagues who have been arrested on a number of occasions, he has been involved in only one case so far.
“I have pictured the worst scenario already,” he said. “I will be found guilty, sent to prison for more than three months and lose my seat in the district council. When I am freed, I will be able to concentrate on being chairman of the party.”
Since the arrival of the national security law, which forbids secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers, several opposition activists have been arrested and some have fled the city.
Lo said he expected a tough, long battle ahead.
“We have to be patient and restrain power as we are facing a totalitarian regime. The dark period will be very long. We’ve got to prepare for the worst and be fluid in these challenging times,” he added.
