Message

Dear fellow residents of Hong Kong Island:

I’ve announced that I will be running for the forthcoming LegCo by-election, which will take place on 2 December.

I consider myself a suitable candidate for the LegCo seat vacated by the most unfortunate passing of Mr. Ma Lik, then DAB chairman, whom I highly respected. I undertook to fully engage myself in democratic politics while a student in the United States a couple of years ago, but my involvement with local political development actually began long before that time. Back in the 1980s, under the tutelage of Sir David Akers-Jones, I was the official responsible for organizing Hong Kong’s first ever District Board elections.

Following Hong Kong’s reunification in 1997, I served as a Principal Official of the SAR Government for 7 years. After I concluded my government service in 2003, I pursued further education in the US, studying democratic theories and how Hong Kong may implement representative government in accordance with the Basic Law, as well as economics and the humanities. Upon my return, I played an active role in the city’s civil society by establishing Savantas Policy Institute, through which I aim to facilitate Hong Kong’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy and promote the development of quality democracy. I vowed to listen intently to people from all walks of life, and to serve them to the best of my ability - all as an ordinary citizen.

I totally understand that democracy is the only way forward for Hong Kong, and I’ve resolved to put my belief into practice by standing in this by-election. Although the transition from serving as an official to being an election candidate hasn’t been an easy one, I’ve never neglected my responsibilities for and commitments to the citizens of Hong Kong and our mother country.

Since my return, I didn’t live a day without meeting members of the community. Words of encouragement and sound advice came from all corners of Hong Kong - from Siu Sai Wan to Baguio Villa, from Wanchai to Aberdeen. The spontaneous outpouring of support not only moves me deeply, but also strengthens my commitment to democratic ideals.

This by-election marks an extraordinary opportunity that I can hardly turn down, but in no way am I being opportunistic. I’ve sailed through many ups-and-downs in my career, but in no way am I harboring any frustration or anger. Naturally, a campaign entails a lot of sweat and tears, but I won’t be deterred. After all, I, as do many of you, have been longing for an open, democratic Hong Kong and a strong, prosperous motherland.

I look forward to your support, and to our encounters on the streets in the days to come.

Regina Ip