'Occupy' movement brings in more support

Some 500 supporters of the Occupy Central plan that demands genuine universal suffrage will rally on June 9 to discuss possible problems the movement may face, its founder said yesterday.

Benny Tai Yiu-ting, an associate law professor and proponent of the plan, unveiled the details yesterday, as 10 more professionals from different sectors - including three businessmen - came forth to add their support.

The three representatives from the business sector included hedge fund expert Edward Chin Chi-kin, electronic component manufacturing company CEO Tony Tsoi Tung-ho and Jeff Tsui Siu-wa, who owns a company specialising in customer relationship management.

"About 500 people will be invited to participate … I hope those who showed up [yesterday] and the other people who have showed their intention to support the beliefs of the Occupy Central movement will also come," Tai said.

He said the first deliberation day would take place at the University of Hong Kong, followed by a second day slated for September to work out possible solutions to the expected problems.

Tai said the Occupy Central with Love and Peace Secretariat, which was set up recently, would help raise funds for the campaign. His rough estimate for operational costs, including the road blockade planned for July 1 next year, was between HK$5 million to HK$10 million.