Hong Kong lawmaker Michael Tien to step down from Legco, Mark Chong to contest

Hong Kong lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun has announced that he will not seek another term, becoming the latest veteran to opt out of the Legislative Council election in December.

Tien, 75, said on Monday that he was ready to step down and pass on the torch, citing age as a key factor.

“I am 75 now. If I serve another term, I will be 79, and after one more term, I will turn 83. Should I serve until I can barely move?” he said. “I will ask myself the same question at 79 and 83, it never ends. So I am not going to ask any more.”

Asked whether he had received a “red light” from Beijing officials and his retirement was an exchange for members of his group to be approved to run, Tien said: “I am not in a position to bargain with anyone.”

He promised to keep contributing to Hong Kong and the country, while continuing to offer guidance on railway policies.

Meanwhile, Mark Chong Ho-fung, of the centrist Roundtable party founded by Tien, declared that he would stand as a candidate in the December 7 race.