Hong Kong Law Society chief defends controversial decision to back certain candidates in polarised governing council election
- Melissa Kaye Pang insists she was only expressing her views in a personal capacity when she rallied support for five candidates
- Results of election at the end of the month could determine whether the body becomes more outspoken on city’s autonomy and rule of law
The head of the Hong Kong Law Society has defended her contentious decision to back certain candidates in one of the body’s most polarised elections in recent years, saying she was merely exercising her freedom of expression.
Melissa Kaye Pang’s remarks on Thursday came against a backdrop of heated competition for spots on the governing council of the professional body for solicitors.
It was earlier revealed that society president Pang had privately rallied support – a move critics said deviated from tradition – for five candidates running on one ticket as she called on fellow lawyers to help the body remain “apolitical”.
In a rare press conference, Pang, flanked by her three deputies and two other council members, insisted she was only expressing her views in a personal capacity.
